The “Bangla-Gate” scandal has placed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a precarious position as questions grow over the alleged misuse of overseas funds and property by Tulip Siddiq, the anti-corruption minister and one of Starmer’s closest political allies.
The controversy has not only drawn attention to Siddiq’s links to her aunt, ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, but also cast an ominous shadow over Starmer’s judgement and political relationships.
Growing Allegations Against Siddiq
At the heart of the scandal are allegations that Siddiq and her family benefited from valuable London properties acquired through associates of Hasina’s Awami League regime. Among these are a rental flat in King’s Cross, gifted by a businessman close to Hasina, and a £2 million Finchley property owned by a senior member of the UK Awami League. Siddiq has faced criticism for failing to disclose income from renting out her former residence, and for discrepancies in her explanations about the ownership of some properties.
These revelations follow reports that Siddiq lived in other properties linked to offshore trusts tied to Bangladeshi businessmen. The properties, and their financial origins, are now under scrutiny by Bangladeshi authorities as part of a broader investigation into corruption during Hasina’s tenure.
Starmer’s Close Ties with Siddiq and Hasina
The scandal poses a direct challenge to Starmer, who has described Siddiq as a “close friend” and whose political career has intersected with Hasina’s regime. Starmer first met Hasina in 2016, shortly after entering Parliament, and maintained ties with her through subsequent years. Members of the UK Awami League supported his campaign efforts, and Hasina publicly congratulated him when he became Prime Minister.
Siddiq, who shares a personal and political bond with Starmer, has been a key ally since their joint election to Parliament in 2015. Their families have reportedly vacationed together, underscoring the personal stakes for the Prime Minister as calls grow for Siddiq’s resignation.
Diplomatic and Ethical Fallout
The “Bangla-Gate” scandal has broad implications, both domestically and internationally. The UK government must now navigate its relationship with Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has pledged to investigate and recover assets tied to Hasina’s regime. Yunus has described the misuse of public funds under the previous administration as “plain robbery” and called for a thorough inquiry into properties linked to Siddiq.
For Starmer, the fallout raises questions about his judgement in appointing Siddiq as anti-corruption minister, given her family’s ties to Hasina and the ongoing allegations of financial impropriety. The position is particularly sensitive as it includes oversight of financial crime and illicit finance in the City of London.
Calls for Siddiq’s Resignation
As scrutiny intensifies, pressure mounts on Siddiq to resign. She has referred herself to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards but denies any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, reports suggest that No. 10 officials are already preparing a shortlist of MPs to replace her. Critics argue that Starmer’s reluctance to act decisively risks undermining his government’s credibility, particularly given Labour’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability.
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