Sky News has learned that UK investigators are examining ways to aid inquiries into alleged significant corruption in Bangladesh.
This follows statements from Bangladesh’s interim leader claiming that Labour MP Tulip Siddiq had “wealth left behind” in the country and should be held accountable.
Ms Siddiq stepped down as anti-corruption minister in January following allegations of corruption from Bangladesh’s authorities.
A representative for the London MP stated she “completely denies the allegations” and had “not been contacted regarding these matters”.
Ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina has been accused of corruption. File pic: AP
The International Anti-Corruption Co-ordination Centre (IACCC) is currently discussing potential collaborations with Bangladesh’s government and law-enforcement agencies to investigate significant corruption allegations.
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The IACCC, hosted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and primarily funded by the UK government, comprises specialists who assist international partners with inquiries into significant corruption.
Experts from the NCA visited Bangladesh in October and November as part of their initial work supporting the interim government.
This initial assessment does not mean UK agencies are directly involved in probes into Ms Siddiq, and it cannot be taken as confirmation that the NCA or IACCC is backing any specific investigation.
Tulip Siddiqu has denied the charges made against her
However, it suggests the possibility of UK authorities investigating whether money reportedly removed from Bangladesh under the former regime was brought into this country.
The allegations against Ms Siddiqu focus on her ties to her aunt Sheikh Hasina – who ruled Bangladesh as prime minister for 20 years.
Ms Hasina fled the country in August following weeks of deadly protests.
She has since been accused by the new administration of crimes and corruption committed during her tenure.
It was found that Ms Siddiqu had lived in several London properties linked to the Awami League political party, still led by her aunt.
She self-referred to the prime minister’s standards adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, who found “no evidence of wrongdoing” but noted that she should have been more cautious regarding the “reputational risks” associated with her aunt’s political ties.
Ms Siddiqu stated that remaining in her position would be “a distraction” for the government but maintained her innocence.
Sources within Labour indicate that Ms Siddiqu does not maintain an overseas bank account, nor does she own foreign property, and has not been contacted by authorities in either the UK or Bangladesh.
They also imply that many accusations against the Labour MP are baseless and that she has been caught up in Bangladeshi political controversies.
