Unexpected discovery at Ganabhaban: Tulip Siddiq’s campaign materials and Labour Party posters found

Ganabhaban, once the heavily secured official residence of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has now become the center of attention after the recent discovery of some unexpected items.

In the wake of the student-led protests on August 5, when thousands of demonstrators stormed into the residence, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, leaving behind many personal belongings.

A reporter from the UK-based news outlet The Times was recently granted access to the now-abandoned Ganabhaban and came across a surprising collection of items linked to UK politician Tulip Siddiq, who is also the niece of Sheikh Hasina.

Unexpected Finds at Ganabhaban

On Saturday, with permission from the interim government, the reporter entered Ganabhaban and found various items scattered across the residence. 

Among these were campaign leaflets for Tulip Siddiq, the UK’s Economic Secretary, posters of the Labour Party, high-end shopping bags, expensive pen cases, and even gifts from foreign dignitaries. 

The items seemed to have been left in haste, giving a glimpse into the lifestyle of the former residents.

According to the report published on Sunday, Sheikh Hasina resided at Ganabhaban under tight security. However, after the massive protests, she fled to India on August 5, and soon after, thousands of people swarmed the residence. 

This chaotic scene quickly went viral on social media and was widely covered by international news outlets.

Since then, Ganabhaban has remained largely deserted, under the control of the military, with security provided by members of the Ansar. 

The general public is not allowed inside the premises.

Tulip Siddiq’s Campaign Materials Discovered

While exploring the residence, the Times reporter found a dusty political leaflet belonging to Tulip Siddiq, who serves as the Economic Secretary in the UK government. 

Tulip is responsible for overseeing corruption control in the financial sector and is the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Hasina’s sister. 

Tulip has recently been accused of having ties to corruption during Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

Other items connected to Tulip were also found in Ganabhaban, including a “thank you note” written for local Labour Party members in her constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn after she was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). 

Another document found was her 2022 annual report, which highlighted the actions she took to help those affected by the rising cost of living.

Tulip has long maintained that she never discussed political matters with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. In 2017, she stated, “I have never spoken about politics with my aunt.” 

That same year, when a journalist asked her whether she had discussed the disappearance of a UK-based lawyer with Sheikh Hasina, Tulip, who was pregnant at the time, reportedly threatened the journalist. 

The journalist later filed a complaint with the police.

Accusations Against Tulip

Tulip Siddiq has recently faced allegations of receiving special privileges during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. 

According to reports, Tulip and her family lived in three properties in the UK that were provided to them free of charge by allies of Sheikh Hasina.

The Times investigation revealed that one of these properties was purchased through an offshore company registered in the British Virgin Islands, a known tax haven. 

Two Bangladeshi businessmen were reportedly linked to this company, which was also mentioned in the infamous Panama Papers leak.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has called for an investigation into the properties used by Tulip. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to remove Tulip Siddiq from her post.

Tulip, however, has consistently denied these allegations.

On Sunday, UK Science Minister Peter Kyle refused to confirm whether the ruling Labour Party had full confidence in Tulip Siddiq.

Turning Ganabhaban Into a Museum

As part of a new initiative, Ganabhaban is being transformed into a museum. Mustafa Sarwar Farooki, the interim government‍‍`s Cultural Adviser, has revealed that the aim is to raise awareness about the dangers of fascism. 

The museum will serve as a reminder to people both locally and internationally.

Radwan Mujib Siddiq’s Room at Ganabhaban

A corridor leading deeper into Ganabhaban brought the reporter to the room of Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Tulip’s brother, who is better known as Bobby.

On the floor of the room, several of Bobby’s United Nations business cards were found, identifying him as a “Governance Expert.” Documents related to Bobby’s phone bills were also discovered.

According to The Times, Bobby was reportedly linked to a government-backed “propaganda” unit during Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

Source: The Daily Star Bangla