Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq’s lawyer was denied any details about the case in opposition to her in Bangladesh, Sky Information understands.
Ms Siddiq resigned earlier this year over accusations she illegally obtained a plot of land in a brand new high-end growth on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister final yr.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption fee (ACC) claims the Labour MP obtained a 7,200sq ft plot within the diplomatic zone via “abuse of energy and affect”.
Nevertheless, Sky Information understands an article printed on Thursday morning saying the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate will face trial in Bangladesh over the allegations is the primary Ms Siddiq had heard of it.
A supply near Ms Siddiq informed Sky Information her lawyer was in court docket day-after-day final week to request info, however was denied it.
Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
The report within the Day by day Telegraph mentioned that if the MP refuses to attend court docket in Bangladesh on 11 August, a trial shall be held in her absence.
It’s understood she is not going to be on the court docket then.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyer mentioned: “For practically a yr now, the Bangladesh authorities have been making false allegations in opposition to Tulip Siddiq.
“Ms Siddiq has not been contacted or obtained any official communication from the court docket and doesn’t and has by no means owned any plot of land in Purbachal.
“This longstanding politically motivated smear marketing campaign has included repeated briefings to the media, a refusal to reply to formal authorized correspondence, and a failure to hunt any assembly with or query Ms Siddiq in the course of the current go to by the Anti-Corruption Fee (ACC) to the UK.
“Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the requirements of a good, lawful, and credible investigation.
“In mild of those info, it’s now time for the Chief Adviser and the ACC to finish this baseless and defamatory effort to wreck Ms Siddiq’s popularity and hinder her work in public service.”
The ACC and Professor Yunus’ press secretary have been contacted for a remark.
Learn extra:
Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for Tulip Siddiq – as she denies claims
Tulip Siddiq: ‘My lawyers are ready’ for questions about corruption claims
‘Depart me alone’: MP tells Bangladeshi authorities
Final month, Ms Siddiq accused Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Muhammad Yunus, of conducting an “orchestrated marketing campaign” to wreck her popularity and “intrude with UK politics”.
In a authorized letter seen by Sky Information in June, the MP additionally mentioned feedback made by Professor Yunus in a Sky Information interview have prejudiced her proper to a good investigation, that means the corruption inquiries must be dropped.
The interim chief, who took over after Ms Hasina was ousted final yr following violent protests, mentioned Ms Siddiq “has so many (sic) wealth left behind right here” and “must be made accountable”.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of rigging elections and interfering with the judicial system. Pic: AP/ Yomiuri Shimbun
Professor Yunus’ press secretary mentioned he and the ACC “has no motive and scope to intrude in UK politics”.
“The Anti-Corruption Fee depends not on rumour however on documentary proof and witness testimony,” they mentioned.
