Evidence shows Tulip Siddiq ‘actively involved’ in graft: ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has asserted that evidence gathered in multiple corruption cases “clearly and unequivocally” demonstrates that British MP Tulip Siddiq played an active role in aiding and abetting offences committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

The commission dismissed claims circulating in foreign media that Siddiq — daughter of Sheikh Rehana and niece of the deposed former prime minister — had no involvement in the charges for which she was convicted in absentia.

In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam, the ACC said concerns raised in international reporting prompted the agency to review all prosecution materials and witness accounts linked to the cases.

According to the statement, the allegations centre on the illegal allocation of state-owned plots to members of the former prime minister’s family, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, their siblings and several cousins.

The ACC said documents also indicate that Tulip Siddiq herself received an additional plot during her aunt’s time in office.

The commission noted that Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq and other family members absconded and did not appear before the court.

Of the three cases filed, one has reached a verdict.

In Special Case No. 18/2025, Siddiq was convicted of using her political influence with her aunt to secure land for her mother and siblings.

“Thirty-two witnesses testified in the case,” the ACC said, adding that multiple witnesses stated under oath that Siddiq—widely regarded as close to her aunt—played a direct role in securing the illegal allotments.
Witness testimony and corresponding documents, the statement added, show that plots allotted in Siddiq’s own name, as well as those of her mother and siblings, formed part of a broader pattern of abuse of power.

The ACC said such actions amount to abetment of offences under several sections of the Penal Code, including 161, 163, 164, 165(Ka), 201, 217, 218, 409, and 420, as well as Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The commission also detailed Siddiq’s acquisition of a premium plot in Gulshan — later converted into a luxury flat — which it said was obtained by “abusing her influence over the then-prime minister.”
Describing the land as some of Dhaka’s most valuable real estate originally reserved for public housing, the ACC said the plots were diverted to benefit those close to the former head of government.

In addition, the commission said Siddiq has been linked to multiple London properties purchased with the help of offshore entities.

“A fundamental question remains: how do individuals in public service acquire the resources necessary to purchase multiple properties and parcels of land in two major world capitals?” the statement said.

Addressing Siddiq’s claim that she was denied the opportunity to defend herself, the ACC said this was “simply untrue,” asserting that she had every opportunity to appear in court or appoint legal counsel but chose not to participate in the proceedings.

The commission said the evidence, taken as a whole, supports its conclusion that Siddiq was “deeply involved” in the scheme and that there is “no basis” to portray her as uninvolved or innocent.