DHAKA, Jan 12: Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into the assets of British Minister Tulip Siddiq and her family, suggesting they may have acquired these assets unlawfully during her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s time as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, according to reports from Sunday.
In an interview with the Times, Yunus criticized the use of properties that were given to Siddiq and her family by “supporters of her aunt’s ousted regime”. He insisted that if any illegal gain is confirmed, the assets should be returned to Bangladesh, labeling it as “plain robbery”.
“What happened is plain robbery,” Yunus stated, accusing the former government of misappropriating funds through deceitful means, which he claims have left a lasting impact on the country.
Siddiq, who is part of the UK’s Labour Cabinet, currently serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, tasked with tackling corruption within the UK’s financial systems.
The day after the interview, the British newspaper reported, titled “(UK) PM urged to sack Tulip Siddiq after Bangladesh leader’s rebuke”, indicated that public pressure is mounting for her resignation after Yunus condemned the use of properties gifted to her family by the previous regime.
According to the Sunday Times, Yunus’s remarks regarding the controversy surrounding Siddiq, aged 42, are likely to intensify calls for her resignation, with reports suggesting Downing Street may already be considering a replacement.
Yunus’s comments coincided with a Sunday Times investigation revealing that Siddiq had resided for years in a Hampstead property purchased by an offshore company mentioned in the Panama Papers, which is linked to two Bangladeshi businessmen.
During his interview, Yunus highlighted the irony of Siddiq facing allegations of corruption.
He referenced a recent official report indicating that individuals associated with the Awami League government had unlawfully removed billions from Bangladesh annually, with some of those funds utilized for acquiring assets, including properties abroad.
“They have highlighted how funds are embezzled, but that’s not merely stealing—it’s robbery,” he clarified.
When asked if this could also relate to properties owned by members of Hasina’s family in London, Yunus affirmed, “Absolutely, it’s plain robbery. Nothing else.”
“If a UK parliament member is implicated, it’s undoubtedly a major issue… We have become accustomed to the previous regime’s theft, so we appreciate you shedding light on this situation globally,” he added.
Yunus further expressed that, if feasible, properties acquired by allies of the Awami League should be returned to Bangladesh.
He mentioned that his officials are working toward retrieving cash and assets located overseas that are derived from Bangladeshi funds.
The Sunday Times notes that the National Crime Agency, the British equivalent of the FBI, has expressed readiness to assist Bangladesh in recovering specific assets. (PTI)
