London, Jan 11 (V7N) — Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family, including her niece, British MP Tulip Siddique, have been accused of embezzling significant funds from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. These allegations have sparked growing calls for investigations into Tulip Siddique's financial dealings and political conduct.

The accusations include embezzlement tied to inflated costs in Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects, such as a controversial nuclear power plant deal with Russia in 2013. Tulip Siddique, the daughter of Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, has been linked to these allegations. Her siblings, Radwan Mujib Siddique and Azmina Siddique, have also faced scrutiny for their association with a think tank accused of spreading political propaganda.

Calls for Tulip Siddique’s resignation from her position as City Minister in the UK Labour government have intensified. UK authorities are reportedly preparing to investigate her assets and financial history, particularly in light of allegations involving undisclosed benefits, including a free flat.

The controversy deepened after British newspaper The Telegraph published a video on January 10 showing Tulip Siddique responding to a journalist's inquiry about Bangladesh's political situation. The journalist questioned Siddique about the 2016 disappearance of British-Bangladeshi lawyer Barrister Arman during Sheikh Hasina's administration. In the video, Siddique appeared to issue a veiled warning, stating, "Be very careful. I am a British Member of Parliament."

The journalist, Channel 4 producer Daisy Ayliffe, who was pregnant at the time, reported feeling intimidated by Siddique’s remarks. Siddique commented on Ayliffe’s pregnancy, saying, "I hope your baby is doing well. Because childbirth is very difficult," a statement that has been widely criticized as inappropriate and dismissive.

The allegations against Tulip Siddique have not only impacted her reputation but also cast a shadow over the Labour Party in the UK. With growing demands for transparency, Labour leadership is under pressure to address these issues publicly.

In Bangladesh, the Anti-Corruption Commission has reportedly expanded its probe into Sheikh Hasina’s family. The investigation could further strain political and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the UK, especially given the high-profile nature of the case.

The accusations have drawn mixed reactions. Critics of Sheikh Hasina’s government see the investigations as a long-overdue reckoning for alleged misuse of power. Supporters of Tulip Siddique argue that she is being unfairly targeted due to her familial ties.

As investigations unfold, the case continues to garner international attention, with potential implications for both Bangladeshi politics and UK-Bangladesh relations.

END/RH/AJ