NN Online:
Lawyers representing British MP Tulip Siddiq have sharply criticized Bangladeshi authorities following the issuance of an arrest warrant against her in connection with corruption allegations.
The Hampstead and Highgate MP’s legal team accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of undermining her right to a fair legal process, as reported by The Standard.
The ACC claims Tulip was involved in securing three plots of land in Dhaka’s Purbachal residential development for her family in the UK, allegedly using her influence with her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The investigation also ties her to broader allegations that Hasina’s family misappropriated billions in public funds.
On April 13, Tulip was ordered to appear before a special court in Dhaka by April 27, with an arrest warrant to follow if she fails to comply. Arrest warrants were also issued for her mother, Rehana, and her siblings, who have all denied the allegations.
Despite these serious charges, Tulip’s lawyers assert that no official charges or documentation have been provided to her, and she has not been contacted by the authorities.
In a statement, Tulip’s legal team from Stephenson Harwood condemned what they described as an “orchestrated campaign” to tarnish her reputation, accusing the ACC of leaking information to the media and making unlawful threats, including the potential issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.
The legal team labeled the ACC’s actions as a “clear breach of international norms” and indicative of how the Bangladeshi authorities are treating Tulip. They called on officials to engage directly with their client instead of making public statements.
“The ACC, its investigation officer, the prosecutor, and the courts in Bangladesh are failing in their legal obligations to ensure Ms. Siddiq’s fundamental right to justice,” the firm said, adding, “The ACC should stop hiding behind the media, stop avoiding direct contact with Ms. Siddiq, and handle her case fairly and transparently.”
This statement marks the second message sent by the firm to the ACC, with the first being a letter sent on March 18, asserting that Tulip has no cases to answer in Bangladesh and no reason to travel there.
In response, ACC Chair Abdul Momen stated that the case would proceed through the courts and dismissed the need for further legal correspondence, warning that failure to appear would lead to Tulip being classified as a fugitive.
