Tulip Siddiq, a Labour Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate has gotten her a two year prison sentence. The supreme court of Bangladesh handed down the ruling. The trial in absentia and consequent verdict is based on accusations that Siddiq misused her political clout as a UK politician. Allegations of intimidation marred Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is accused of aiding the transfer of highly sought after land to her relatives, as the trial went forward.
The court’s ruling has generated massive outcry, especially since Siddiq was even in the courtroom for the proceedings. She was accused of urging Hasina to award land to her mother, Sheikh Rehana, her brother and sister. Rehana has become a central figure in the case. Just last week, she was sentenced to seven years in prison, on top of 21 years for separate corruption charges.
In a statement, UK transport secretary Tulip Siddiq condemned the ruling and denied the allegations entirely. She claimed that most of the evidence they had introduced against her was false. She claimed that the charges were politically motivated and intended to attack her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. Siddiq’s statement is telling, as it reveals her belief that she is being politically persecuted for her opposition to the war and for her family connections.
“This whole process has been flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end.” – Tulip Siddiq
Sheikh Siddiq’s legal troubles are no stranger to public scrutiny. She resigned from her role as Treasury Minister following accusations about houses linked to the Hasina administration. An investigation ultimately exonerated her of any elastic wrongdoing. This recent trial has launched a deep firestorm of opposition from a cadre of influential British attorneys. They called it “artificial, contrived and unfair.”
“As has been reported, highly regarded senior legal professionals have highlighted that Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her.” – Statement from a spokesperson
The judiciary would likely stop the move, as the UK government has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh. This effectively guarantees, barring some unexpected circumstances, that Siddiq will not serve her sentence at Alderson. As always, she is completely dedicated to the constituents of Hampstead and Highgate. In the meantime, she dutifully ducks, ducks, ducks to avoid incoming political cannonballs and broadsides aimed her way.
“The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called ‘verdict’ will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.” – Tulip Siddiq
Siddiq’s past interactions with Sheikh Hasina have been documented, with multiple photographs capturing their meetings during Hasina’s tenure. These connections have resulted in increased scrutiny and speculation about the motivations behind the trial.