Tulip Siddiq 'clearly involved' in aiding, abetting corruption under Bangladesh laws: ACC
In light of these facts and circumstances, there is no basis to suggest that she was not involved in corruption or that she is innocent of the charges brought against her,” ACC says
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that available evidence "clearly and unequivocally" shows British MP Tulip Siddiq's involvement in aiding and abetting corruption under Bangladeshi law, rejecting claims that she was not linked to the offences for which she has been convicted in absentia.
"Taken together, we believe these facts clearly and unequivocally demonstrate Siddiq's continued involvement in aiding and abetting corruption under the laws of Bangladesh. In light of these facts and circumstances, there is no basis to suggest that she was not involved in corruption or that she is innocent of the charges brought against her," the ACC said in a statement today (2 December), signed by Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam.
The ACC said concerns raised in recent media reports about the trial and sentencing of Tulip Siddiq -- niece of Sheikh Hasina and daughter of Sheikh Rehana -- required a clear review, prompting the commission to re-examine all prosecution materials related to the cases.
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According to the ACC, case documents indicate that the allegations centre on the illegal allotment of state-owned plots to Siddiq's aunt, the deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her mother Sheikh Rehana, as well as her siblings and cousins.
"In one pending case, it appears Siddiq herself was allotted an additional plot during her aunt's tenure as head of government," read the statement.
The ACC said Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and their siblings, including Tulip Siddiq, absconded to evade trial.
"Of the three cases, the trial of one has been completed. Siddiq has been found guilty of influencing her aunt to secure land for her mother and siblings. In Special Case No. 18/2025 at Special Tribunal No. 5, prosecutors alleged that Siddiq "influenced, coaxed and persuaded her aunt to abuse her position" to illegally obtain plots for her family."
"Thirty-two witnesses testified in the case," the ACC said.
According to the statement, several witnesses said under oath that Siddiq -- known to be close to her aunt -- used her influence to secure the allotments. Their testimony, combined with circumstantial evidence showing allotments in the names of Siddiq, her mother and siblings, indicated she was "deeply involved" in the illegal process.
The ACC said such conduct amounts to abetment of offences under Penal Code Sections 161, 163, 164, 165(Ka), 201, 217, 218, 409, 420, and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The statement also said Siddiq herself obtained a Gulshan plot — CWN (A)-27, later Plot No. 05, Block NE(A), now Flat No. B/201, House Nos. 5A/5B (renumbered 115 and 11B), Road 71 — by abusing her influence over the then-prime minister.
"These are not remote parcels of farmland," the ACC noted, describing them as highly valuable plots in one of Dhaka's most expensive areas, originally intended for public housing to ease population pressure but instead used to enrich those close to the former prime minister.
The ACC further said Siddiq has been linked to multiple London properties purchased with the help of offshore companies, raising "a fundamental question: how do individuals in public service acquire the resources necessary to purchase multiple properties and parcels of land in two major world capitals?"
"We were eager to hear answers… but unfortunately, she was tried in absentia," the statement added.
Responding to Siddiq's claim that she was unable to defend herself, the ACC said the assertion was "simply untrue" and that she had every opportunity to attend the proceedings or appoint counsel, but declined to do so.
