Economic Affairs Minister Tulip Siddiq, niece of ousted former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, on Monday presented her case before the British Prime Minister’s Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests amid allegations over the use of properties in London.
Siddiq is in news in Britain for using a North London flat given to him by his sister Azmina. She is also in the news over another property in central London which is said to have been given to Siddiq by a businessman associated with Hasina’s party Awami League.
When asked about the allegations, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters, ‘Tulip Siddiq has done a completely appropriate job in presenting her case to the independent advisor. I have confidence in him, and the same process will happen now.”
Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on the code of conduct for ministers, will now investigate the claims. In his letter to the watchdog, Siddiq denied any wrongdoing and said he was committed to providing all relevant information.
Siddiq said in his letter, ‘In recent times, many false reports have been published in the media about my financial affairs and my family’s relations with the former government of Bangladesh. I can clearly say that I have not done anything wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I ask that you make your own inquiries regarding these matters. I will make sure you have all the information you need to do this.”
