UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his full support behind City Minister Tulip Siddiq, standing by her integrity as she faces allegations of corruption linked to a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project in Bangladesh. Despite mounting political pressure, Starmer praised Siddiq for voluntarily referring herself to the government’s ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, calling it a sign of her transparency and accountability.
“Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly,” Starmer said during a press conference, adding that he has complete confidence in her. Sir Laurie will now conduct a fact-finding review to determine whether a deeper investigation is warranted. No timeline has been set for the process, but Downing Street has confirmed that the findings will be made public.
A Broader Political Context
The controversy centers around allegations that $5 billion was misappropriated from Bangladesh’s $12.65 billion Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, a collaboration with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. The claims have drawn in Siddiq due to her family connections: she is the niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from office in August 2024.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has accused Hasina’s family, including Siddiq and her cousin Sajeeb Wazed, of financial irregularities linked to the project. Wazed, however, dismissed the accusations as baseless. “It is not possible to siphon off billions from a $10 billion project,” he said, calling the allegations a politically motivated smear campaign. Siddiq has echoed this, firmly denying any wrongdoing and calling for an independent review to establish the facts.
Starmer’s Support as a Signal of Confidence
Starmer’s decision to publicly back Siddiq marks a significant intervention at a politically sensitive moment. His firm stance aims to counter growing calls for Siddiq’s resignation, particularly from critics citing her family ties.
“Tulip has demonstrated her commitment to accountability by referring herself for investigation,” Starmer said. His comments highlight Siddiq’s decision to prioritize transparency, even at the cost of temporarily stepping back from her duties, including a planned trip to China as part of a government delegation.
In a letter to Sir Laurie, Siddiq stated, “I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. For the avoidance of doubt, I want the facts to be independently established.”
Rosatom Denies Wrongdoing
Rosatom, the Russian state-owned company involved in the Rooppur project, has dismissed allegations of corruption. In a statement, it emphasized its commitment to “transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in procurement processes.”
The $12.65 billion deal, signed in 2015, aimed to enhance Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure with two nuclear reactors, each capable of producing 1,200 megawatts of electricity. The ACC claims significant sums were funneled through offshore accounts during the project’s execution, though no concrete evidence has been provided.
The role of Bangladeshi media in amplifying the allegations has drawn criticism from observers. Reports have been described as lacking credible sources and perpetuating unverified claims. Some believe the allegations are part of a coordinated misinformation campaign designed to erode public trust in Sheikh Hasina’s leadership and undermine Siddiq’s political career.
Siddiq has temporarily stepped back from her ministerial duties, canceling a planned trip to China to remain in the UK and assist with the ethics investigation. In a letter to Magnus, she stated, “I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. For the avoidance of doubt, I want the facts to be independently established.”
Who Benefits?
The motivations behind the allegations remain unclear, but analysts suggest they are linked to power struggles within Bangladesh’s political landscape. With elections on the horizon, the allegations appear to serve the interests of those seeking to weaken the Hasina family’s standing both domestically and internationally.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, Siddiq and her family remain resolute in their denials. The case highlights broader issues surrounding political smear campaigns and the impact of misinformation on public discourse.
For Siddiq, the stakes are high—not just for her career but for her family’s legacy. “Truth will prevail,” she said in a recent statement, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and accountability. Whether the inquiry uncovers new information or vindicates Siddiq remains to be seen, but the controversy underscores the challenges faced by public figures navigating the intersection of politics and media scrutiny.
