Properties row | Tulip Siddiq under scrutiny in Bangladesh for receiving Russian N-plant kickbacks

Agencies LONDON

UK's Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, responsible for tackling financial crime, has referred herself to the independent ministerial standards watchdog following a series of allegations regarding her living arrangements in properties linked to the former Bangladeshi government.

This development centres on claims that Siddiq  received a two-bedroom apartment in Central London as a gift in 2004, The said property was transferred in  her name  by without payment by one Abdul Motalif, a property developer and associate of figures linked to the Awami League party led by  her aunt Sheikh Hasina, former prime minister of Bangladesh.

The gift raises fresh scrutiny amid a broader investigation in Bangladesh into alleged corruption involving Siddiq’s family. The inquiry was prompted by claims from a political rival accusing Sheikh Hasina’s family of taking kickbacks from a Russia-backed nuclear power project—allegations they deny.

Siddiq has formally requested Laurie Magnus, UK Prime Minister's independent advisor on ministerial standards, to investigate whether she breached the ministerial code.

The Daily Star cited a letter by Siddiq saying, "In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family's links to the former government of Bangladesh.

I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters."

Labour Party officials confirmed that Siddiq would not accompany the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, on a Treasury delegation to China this week. Instead, she will "remain behind to assist with inquiries".

The Mail on Sunday reported that Siddiq had previously told its journalists that her parents had bought the flat and gifted it to her, prompting accusations that she misled the publication.

Further scrutiny came from The Sunday Times, which reported that Siddiq lived in a Hampstead property purchased by Moin Ghani, a lawyer who represented Hasina's government. This property was subsequently transferred to Siddiq's sister.

Additionally, Tulip currently rents a £2.1m home in East Finchley, owned by Abdul Karim, an executive member of the UK branch of the Awami League. These revelations have reignited criticism of Siddiq's ties to her aunt's political party.

According to The Guardian report, despite these revelations, Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Siddiq.  He said "Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she's now done, and that's why we brought in the new code.

It's to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts. And yes, I've got confidence in her, and that's the process that will now be happening."