Legal Troubles Abroad Could Force Tulip to Defend Her Political Future

A court in Bangladesh is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Monday in a corruption case filed against 17 individuals—including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and British MP Tulip Siddiq—over alleged misuse of authority to obtain plots in the Purbachal New Town Project.

Tulip Siddiq, 43, a Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and former UK City Minister, is accused of securing plots for her mother Sheikh Rehana (70), brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby (45) and sister Azmina Siddiq Ruphonti (35) through Sheikh Hasina’s influence. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison under Bangladeshi law.

Political analysts in Bangladesh suggest that Tulip may face serious legal consequences, especially after Sheikh Hasina was convicted last Thursday in a related case and sentenced to 23 years in prison. The verdict against Hasina has intensified scrutiny of the allegations involving her relatives.

The investigation into Siddiq gained momentum following allegations—reported by the Daily Mail—of a £4 billion embezzlement scheme linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. Following the publication of these reports, Siddiq stepped down from her ministerial post in the UK.

The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that if Tulip is convicted in Bangladesh, she would likely face growing pressure to resign from Parliament. Earlier this year, similar pressure arose after allegations surfaced regarding her property declarations in the UK, although she retained her ministerial role at that time.

Tulip previously faced accusations of providing misleading information about a London flat, which she claimed to have received from her parents. Critics alleged that the property had in fact been gifted by a UK-based Awami League–aligned leader, raising concerns of improper benefit. However, a British government internal inquiry later concluded that Tuliphad not breached the ministerial code.

Several British lawyers have questioned the transparency and fairness of the legal proceedings in Bangladesh, raising concerns in a letter sent to the Bangladesh High Commission in London. Siddiq has not commented publicly on the case or the letter from the lawyers.

As the court prepares to announce its judgment, the case continues to attract significant attention both in Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, given its implications for political accountability and cross-border legal scrutiny.