The country’s anti-money laundering agency requested information on the domestic bank accounts of UK City Minister Tulip Siddiq, who’s also the niece of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a potential precursor to a broader financial investigation.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit’s (BFIU) inquiry extends to Siddiq’s immediate family members, including her mother Sheikh Rehana, as well as Hasina, according to a notice issued by the BFIU and seen by Bloomberg News. An official familiar with the development, who did not wish to be named discussing a sensitive matter, confirmed the contents of the notice.
Siddiq has been under intense scrutiny after a series of revelations in the British press about her receipt and use of properties connected to Hasina, who was ousted in a student-led mass uprising in early August.
The link with Hasina’s government is controversial because her Awami League party has been accused of siphoning funds out of Bangladesh’s banking system, charges they deny.
Siddiq – whose role includes overseeing the financial industry and tackling corruption within it – has referred herself to the UK government’s standards watchdog.
She has acted “entirely properly” by doing so, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters on Monday, saying that he retains confidence in the minister.
Bangladesh’s banks have been directed to provide comprehensive data, including transaction details and account opening forms, within five days. — Bloomberg
