British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has dismissed a recent Bangladesh court ruling that sentenced her to two years in prison, calling the entire process unfair, politically motivated and “farcical”. Siddiq, who was never present at the trial and says she was not given the chance to defend herself, insists the charges are based on fabricated evidence.
The case has sparked questions about political motives in Bangladesh, the treatment of the Hasina family and Siddiq’s connection to the country, especially since the UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.
What Did the Bangladesh Court Rule?
A court in Dhaka found Siddiq guilty of using her influence as a British Member of Parliament to pressure former prime minister Sheikh Hasina her aunt into approving land transfers for Siddiq’s mother, brother and sister.
The verdict also sentenced Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana, to seven years in jail, naming her the main accused in the case. The entire hearing took place in absentia. Neither Siddiq, nor Hasina, nor any other family member was present at the courtroom when the judgment was delivered.
Lawyers who attempted to represent Siddiq and others later told The Guardian that they were harassed, intimidated and even prevented from defending their clients. Sideline observers have described the proceedings as rushed and opaque.
Siddiq Rejects Charges, Calls Proceedings ‘A Joke‘
Siddiq strongly criticised the ruling and questioned its legitimacy. Speaking to The Guardian, she said the verdict should be met with “the contempt it deserves” and described the legal process as “flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end”.
She maintains that she did not receive official details of the charges, was never summoned, and had no opportunity to present her side. The UK Labour Party supported her statement, saying it “cannot recognise this judgment” as Siddiq was never given a chance to defend herself.
Who Is Tulip Siddiq?
Tulip Siddiq, 42, has been a Labour MP since 2015. She represents the Hampstead and Highgate constituency and earlier served the people of Hampstead and Kilburn. After the Labour Party formed the government last year, she became the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, a key financial portfolio.
Siddiq comes from one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political families. She is the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, the younger sister of Sheikh Hasina, and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bangladesh’s founding leader.
Rehana and Hasina survived the 1975 military coup only because they were abroad; most of their family members were killed. Rehana later settled in the UK after receiving political asylum.
Why Was Siddiq Tried in Bangladesh?
Prosecutors alleged that Siddiq used her influence abroad to secure high-value land deals for her family in Dhaka. They claimed she made phone calls, sent messages and travelled to Bangladesh to push the deals through.
However, no physical evidence such as call records, documents or travel logs was presented. Instead, the prosecution relied heavily on statements from two former officials at the prime minister’s residence.
Siddiq denies all allegations. She says she has not held a Bangladeshi passport since childhood, does not pay taxes in Bangladesh and has no legal or political role in the country. She believes she has been targeted as part of a political campaign against the Hasina family after the former PM’s fall from power.
The Political Turmoil in Bangladesh
After massive nationwide protests in 2024, Sheikh Hasina was forced out of office. A temporary government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge, opening a series of high-profile cases against Hasina and her associates.
Last month, an international crimes tribunal convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity related to the deaths of more than 1,000 protesters. She also received a 21-year sentence in a separate corruption case.
Hasina has been living in exile in India since 2024, and India has not responded to Dhaka’s extradition requests. Her party, the Awami League, has dismissed the new cases as politically motivated.
What Happens Next?
Siddiq says she is focused on her work in the UK and refuses to be distracted by political battles in Bangladesh. “My focus has always been my constituents,” she said. “I refuse to be dragged into the dirty politics of Bangladesh.”
With no extradition agreement between the UK and Bangladesh, it remains unlikely that Siddiq will face jail time. However, the verdict adds another layer to the growing political tension surrounding the Hasina family and Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.
