Tulip Siddiq faces UK questions over Rooppur Power Plant corruption scandal

Tulip Siddiq, a UK government minister and niece of Bangladesh‍‍`s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been questioned by the UK’s Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics Team (PET) as part of an investigation into corruption linked to a major infrastructure project in Bangladesh.

The Times reported on December 23 that the PET team visited Tulip’s office on Thursday, raising concerns about her alleged involvement in a 2013 deal to construct the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh.

Tulip, who serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and is a close friend of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is accused of helping broker the deal between Bangladesh and Russia, a contract reportedly worth £3.9 billion (approximately 57,000 crore Bangladeshi taka). 

She is alleged to have embezzled this sum, which has led to both UK and Bangladeshi authorities launching investigations.

These corruption claims are also tied to a wider investigation into Sheikh Hasina, Tulip’s aunt, who was ousted from power in Bangladesh in August amid corruption and human rights abuse accusations. 

The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently looking into these allegations against Hasina, including the involvement of other family members like Tulip.

PET Questions Tulip

Tulip voluntarily agreed to meet with a representative from the PET on Thursday. The official questioned her about her alleged connection to the Rooppur Power Plant corruption. 

Tulip responded to these questions but has firmly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations "false accusations" and "entirely politically motivated."

The Times reported that Tulip’s explanation regarding her involvement with the Russian deal was accepted without any further investigation or verification. 

While Tulip did answer the PET’s questions, this does not mean that a formal misconduct investigation is underway in the UK at this time.

Attempts to reach Tulip for a statement were unsuccessful.

UK Government and Tulip’s Response

The UK Cabinet Office reiterated its position, stating, "As we have said before, the minister (Tulip) has denied any involvement in this matter."

Footage from 2013 shows Tulip present at a signing ceremony in the Kremlin, where Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin formalized the deal. Tulip is seen in photographs with Putin during the event.

The allegations claim that she personally benefited from this agreement, but Tulip’s team has dismissed these accusations as exaggerated and politically driven.

A source close to Tulip told the press that her role in facilitating discussions between Bangladesh and Russia is overstated, reiterating that the accusations are part of a "political conspiracy." Tulip herself explained that she traveled to Russia over a decade ago simply to visit her aunt, saying it was easier to reach Russia from the UK than Bangladesh at the time.

New Questions About Weapons Deal

A separate report by the Daily Mail has raised further concerns over a $1 billion weapons deal signed during the same meeting in Russia. 

According to the report, Hasina agreed to a $1 billion loan to purchase Russian arms and military equipment. At that time, Tulip was serving as a Labour Party councillor, not an MP, and only entered Parliament in 2015.

A Labour Party spokesperson told the Mail, "Tulip had no involvement in the signing of any agreement between the two countries, as she was elected as an MP two years after the deal."

Tulip, now 42, had previously stated that the photograph with Putin was taken at his request. She recalled Putin asking her, "Are any of your family members here? I would like a photo with everyone."

Corruption Probe in Bangladesh and Downing Street’s Response

Bangladesh‍‍`s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assembled a five-member team to investigate these corruption claims, and they are gathering evidence related to Tulip and others. 

According to reports, once this evidence is compiled, the ACC is expected to send Tulip a letter within the coming weeks, requesting her response.

Despite these developments, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to stand by Tulip. His spokesperson reaffirmed that there are "very clear codes of conduct" in place for ministers, and these have been properly followed in Tulip’s case.

One source has confirmed that Starmer’s friendship with Tulip remains unchanged.

Although the PET team accepted Tulip’s explanation regarding the Russia deal, the UK Prime Minister’s Office at 10 Downing Street is reportedly treating the matter seriously, as evidenced by Tulip’s meeting with PET officials.

There is concern that Tulip’s close relationship with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, could cause further complications or embarrassment in the future.

Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 20 years, was forced to flee the country in August after a mass uprising led by students and citizens. She now faces multiple allegations, including genocide and crimes against humanity.

Tulip has never denied her close ties to Hasina and has previously described her as an "extraordinary role model."