Tulip Denies Forged Bangladesh Passport, NID Claims

Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has dismissed reports that she holds Bangladeshi citizenship, alleging that authorities in Dhaka are circulating forged documents to discredit her.

Her response came after a joint investigation by Prothom Alo and The Times revealed she allegedly possesses a Bangladeshi passport, National Identity (NID) card, and voter registration. The report claimed she obtained a passport in 2001, applied for renewal in 2011, and later received an NID.

The UK’s Telegraph and Daily Mail also published reports citing the documents, contradicting her previous denials. Tulip’s spokesperson described the records as “entirely forged” and part of a politically motivated smear campaign linked to corruption allegations in Bangladesh.

Associates close to Tulip argue the NID’s old paper format, rather than the newer smart-card version, makes it “highly suspicious” and convenient for forgery. They further deny she has ever lived in Dhaka, despite documents listing an address linked to her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The controversy coincides with an ongoing corruption case in Bangladesh, where prosecutors allege Tulip influenced her aunt to secure land plots for her family. Tulip insists the case is “absurd” and politically motivated, adding that UK ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus reviewed the matter earlier this year and found no wrongdoing.

Reactions within the UK Bangladeshi community remain divided. Some accuse her of misleading the public, while others believe she is the target of political retaliation following the fall of Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

Former BBC journalist Masud Hasan Khan said the case is “embarrassing” for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting Tulip’s ethical credibility is under scrutiny even if no law was broken. Labour insiders fear the controversy could escalate into a disciplinary issue if it continues to dominate headlines.