Sheikh Hasina’s niece resigns from minister’s post in UK over corruption allegations

Tulip Siddiq, niece of Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned as anti-corruption minister amid the growing allegations of corruption, according to reports.

Siddiq reportedly said that she was clear of all the allegations but resigned as they had become a distraction from the government work.

Allegations on Siddiq reportedly grew due to the links with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who is on exile from Bangladesh.

Siddiq was elected to her post by UK President Keir Starmer of the Labour Party. On her resignation, PM Starmer reportedly said that no breach of ethics was found with Siddiq – including financial, and that he was sad to see her go.

The UK PM also said that the doors for Siddiq are open if she wants a return, as per reports.

The corruption allegations against Siddiq, as reported, included, but were not proven –

1. Embezzlement of money (by Siddiq’s familu) during a nuclear power plant deal between Russia and Bangladesh in 2013, to which Siddiq denied any involvement

2. Her apartment in London, which was – as reported by local media – was given to her by associates of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, a political party in Bangladesh.

Though no breach was found against Siddiq, She has decided to step down, citing the allegations as a distraction to her work.