British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has vehemently denounced her recent conviction by a Bangladeshi court as a “deeply unfair” example of “trial by media” after receiving a two-year prison sentence in absentia on corruption allegations. The ruling, delivered in Dhaka, found the London-based parliamentarian guilty of improperly influencing her aunt, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to acquire land privileges for family members near the capital—charges Siddiq consistently denies.
The sentencing marks another escalation in Bangladesh’s legal pursuit of Hasina’s associates since her government was overthrown in July 2024. Siddiq characterized the judicial process as “flawed and farcical,” revealing she learned of her conviction through media reports rather than official channels. “I’ve had no contact whatsoever from Bangladeshi authorities despite these malicious allegations,” stated the MP, who maintains she has never been formally served with charges or summons.
Legal professionals in both Britain and Bangladesh have challenged the proceedings’ legitimacy. A coalition of prominent UK legal figures—including former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and Cherie Blair—formally expressed concerns to Bangladesh’s UK representative about Siddiq’s inability to secure proper legal representation. They described the trial as “artificial and contrived,” while Labour Party officials stated they “cannot recognize” the judgment’s validity.
The case intersects with broader geopolitical tensions. Siddiq’s legal team disputes the court’s jurisdiction, arguing she holds no Bangladeshi citizenship despite prosecutors claiming possession of her identification documents. The UK’s lack of an extradition treaty with Bangladesh further complicates enforcement of the sentence, which includes an 821 USD fine and potential additional six-month imprisonment for non-payment.
This conviction follows the dramatic death sentence handed to Hasina two weeks earlier over alleged crimes against humanity during her administration’s final days. The Awami League, Hasina’s political party, dismissed both verdicts as politically motivated, accusing Bangladesh’s interim government—led by opponent Muhammad Yunus—of manipulating judicial outcomes.
Siddiq resigned her ministerial position in Britain’s Treasury earlier this year amid controversy regarding her familial connections, though an ethics investigation found no evidence of personal impropriety. She continues to face additional outstanding charges in Bangladesh while maintaining her parliamentary status and party membership in the UK.