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8:10
Bangladesh’s chief talks to Sky Information
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Fee (ACC) has opened a number of investigations into Ms Siddiq alleging corruption in reference to the federal government of her aunt Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted because the nation’s prime minister final 12 months.
Within the new correspondence despatched immediately to Professor Yunus and the ACC, attorneys for the previous minister write: “The time has now come for the chief adviser and the ACC to abandon their wholly misconceived and unlawful campaign to smear Ms Siddiq’s reputation and interfere with her public service.”
“The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony.”
The press secretary added: “We hope both the British legal system and the British press appreciate that any pending criminal charge will be resolved in the courts under the provisions of laws of the land.
“For the reason that courts have summoned Ms. Siddiq and warrants have additionally been issued, it’s her accountability to defend her place in court docket.
“If she needs any legal support and is unable to obtain it herself, Bangladesh will provide it. If Ms. Siddiq wilfully ignores the court summons, proceedings against her may proceed in absentia.”
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2:35
The Tulip Siddiq accusations defined
“So they need to stop this political vendetta, this smear campaign, and this malicious persecution right from the beginning.”
The MP had requested a gathering with the Bangladeshi chief throughout an official go to to the UK earlier this month to “clear up” any misunderstandings.
However this was turned down by the chief adviser, who stated he didn’t need to “interrupt a legal procedure”.
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0:29
MP says arrest warrant is ‘smear marketing campaign’
Within the new authorized letter, attorneys for Ms Siddiq say the interim chief had already unfairly influenced the inquiries by means of earlier feedback.
“The copious briefings to the media, the failure to respond to our letters, the failure to even ask to meet with and question Ms Siddiq during their recent visit to the United Kingdom are impossible to justify and completely inconsistent with a fair, lawful and serious investigation,” reads the letter.
The correspondence additionally units a deadline of 30 June 2025 for the Bangladeshi authorities to answer by, stating that “in the absence of a full and proper response… Ms Siddiq will consider this matter closed”.
A former Nobel Prize profitable economist, Professor Muhammad Yunus turned interim chief of Bangladesh final August after weeks of lethal protests compelled Sheikh Hasina from energy.
He has pledged to root out corruption and get better alleged stolen wealth earlier than holding votes to elect a everlasting administration.
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0:47
Tulip Siddiq questioned over Bangladesh corruption
Final month, Professor Yunus banned the Awami League – the political get together nonetheless led by Sheikh Hasina – from standing within the coming elections.
That led to criticism from these nonetheless loyal to the previous prime minister, with protests additionally sparking within the nation over jobs, pay and deliberate reforms.
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1:52
It comes after Bangladeshi authorities opened a number of investigations alleging corruption in reference to the federal government of her aunt Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted because the nation’s prime minister final 12 months.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s requirements adviser Sir Laurie Magnus who stated he had “not identified evidence of improprieties” however added it was “regrettable” Ms Siddiq had not been extra alert to the “potential reputational risks” of the ties to her aunt.
Ms Siddiq stated persevering with in her position could be “a distraction” for the federal government however insisted she had carried out nothing incorrect.
Sheikh Hasina is presently standing trial in absentia in Dhaka over alleged killings throughout final summer season’s civil unrest.
Picture:
Sheikh Hasina pictured in 2023. Pic: AP/Yomiuri Shimbun
Workers from the Nationwide Crime Company visited Bangladesh in October and November as a part of preliminary work to help the interim authorities within the nation.
Final month, the NCA confirmed it had secured a “freezing order” towards a property in north London linked to Ms Siddiq’s household.
She denies all of the allegations – and sources near the MP say the authorities have been sending correspondence to an handle in Dhaka that has no connection together with her.
