Concerns over Tulip Siddiq's trial unfounded, conviction supported by evidence: CA's Press Wing
According to the statement, the trial of one of three cases has concluded, with Special Tribunal No. 5 finding Tulip guilty of securing land for her mother and siblings by influencing her aunt
The Chief Adviser's Press Wing said concerns raised in recent media reports about the trial and sentencing of Tulip Siddiq are not supported by the case records.
In a press statement issued yesterday (2 December), it said its review of prosecution materials shows that the allegations against her were based on evidence examined in court.
CA's Press Wing said the matters involve allegations of corruption linked to the allotment of government plots in the names of Tulip's aunt, the deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, mother Sheikh Rehana, and several siblings and cousins.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
It added that records from one pending case show that Tulip herself was allotted a plot during her aunt's tenure.
According to the statement, the trial of one of three cases has concluded, with Special Tribunal No. 5 finding Tulip guilty of securing land for her mother and siblings by influencing her aunt.
In Special Case No. 18 of 2025, prosecutors alleged that she influenced, coaxed, and persuaded the former head of government to abuse official authority for the benefit of her family members.
The statement notes that 32 witnesses were examined and several testified under oath that Tulip used her close relationship with her aunt to obtain the allotments.
It said their testimony, along with circumstantial evidence of plots allotted in the names of Tulip, her mother and siblings, indicated her involvement not only in the case decided but also in other instances.
It said the circumstantial evidence is reinforced by records showing that Tulip was allotted a plot in Gulshan through abuse of influence.
The plots cited in the cases are located in one of Dhaka's most expensive neighbourhoods and, according to the Press Wing, were intended to support housing needs in the capital but were instead allocated to individuals close to the former prime minister.
The statement also noted references to five London properties linked to Tulip and purchased with the assistance of offshore companies, saying this raised questions about how public figures acquire such assets.
It added that Tulip was given the opportunity to appear in court or to be represented but declined, resulting in the trial proceeding in absentia.
Tulip Siddiq: How the British MP became entangled in Purbachal plot scandal and got convicted
The Press Wing concluded that the facts placed before the tribunal demonstrate her involvement in aiding and abetting corruption under Bangladeshi law and said there is no basis for claims that she was unable to respond to the charges or that she is innocent.
Notably, ACC filed six cases over the allocation of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha's (Rajuk) plots in Purbachal to members of Sheikh Hasina's family.
Tulip was named accused in three of the cases and was sentenced along with her mother and aunt by a Dhaka court on Monday (1 December).
