Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus asks U.K. to investigate graft scandal of Sheikh Hasina's niece

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus calls for investigation into British Minister Tulip Siddiq's properties, alleging unlawful acquisition during her aunt's tenure.

“Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into the properties of British Minister Tulip Siddiq and her family, indicating that they may have acquired them through unlawful means during her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh premier,” reports said on Sunday (January 12, 2025.)

In an interview with the Times newspaper, Mr. Yunus condemned the use of properties gifted to Ms. Siddiq and her family by “allies of her aunt’s deposed regime.” He demanded the return of the assets to Bangladesh if she is found to have benefited from "plain robbery."

"It's about plain robbery," Mr. Yunus said, accusing the previous government of embezzling funds through fraudulent practices that have had long-lasting effects on the country.

Ms. Siddiq, a member of Britain’s Labour Cabinet, serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, responsible for addressing corruption within the U.K.’s financial markets.

A day after publishing Mr. Yunus’ interview, the British newspaper on Sunday (January 12, 2025) carried another report titled "]the U.K] PM urged to sack Tulip Siddiq after Bangladesh leader’s rebuke”.

It said the “anti-corruption Minister is facing calls to resign after the leader of Bangladesh condemned the use of properties gifted to her and her family by its former regime.”

According to the Sunday Times, Mr. Yunus’ comments on the scandal engulfing Ms. Siddiq (42), will add to the pressure on her to resign, though there are suggestions that Downing Street is already looking for a replacement.