Tulip Siddiq Blames Bangladesh’s “Dirty Politics” for Crisis

British MP Tulip Siddiq.

British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has described how the “dirty politics” in Bangladesh have upended her life.

In an exclusive interview, Siddiq called her recent graft indictment part of a broader political conflict. “I’m collateral damage in a feud between Muhammad Yunus and my aunt,” she said.

She acknowledged that wrongdoings should be punished in Bangladesh but insisted, “I’m not one of them.”

The charges accuse Siddiq of using her influence to secure land in Purbachal, Dhaka, for her family. She dismissed these allegations as “completely absurd.”

A trial date is set for August 11, involving more than 20 others. When asked if she would attend, Siddiq said she is consulting legal advisors and has yet to receive an official summons. “I feel trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare,” she said, referring to the lack of clarity about the charges.

Siddiq also confirmed there is no extradition treaty between the UK and Bangladesh and learned about her indictment only recently through a journalist.

Bangladeshi authorities have indicated she may be tried in absentia, and extradition could be considered if convicted.

She stressed she is not defending her aunt, acknowledging ongoing investigations into the former government’s end and hoping for closure for the people of Bangladesh.

Siddiq rejected claims of embezzling billions from a nuclear deal with Russia, explaining that a photo circulating from a 2013 visit was simply a family trip. She clarified that she was not involved in any political meetings during that visit.

She also denied allegations of receiving a gifted London flat, stating it belongs to her godfather and attributing earlier confusion to her elderly parents’ faulty memory.

Due to security concerns, Siddiq said she had temporarily relocated to another property, paying market rent.

She resigned from her Treasury minister position to prevent the controversy from distracting the government, despite continued support from Labour leader Keir Starmer.