UK MP Tulip Siddiq Sentenced in Absentia to Two Years in Bangladesh

UK MP Tulip Siddiq Sentenced in Absentia to Two Years in Bangladesh
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Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison by a court in Bangladesh over corruption allegations involving the acquisition of a plot of land for her family on the outskirts of Dhaka. Siddiq, who strongly denies the charges, is based in London and is unlikely to serve the sentence.

According to the BBC, the court found Siddiq guilty of allegedly influencing her aunt, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in 2024 and later convicted of crimes against humanity in a separate case. Sixteen others were also tried alongside Siddiq. The MP described the process as “flawed,” saying she was never formally notified of charges, summoned, or given documents related to the case. She called the proceedings “trial by media” and has engaged legal representation in both the UK and Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi prosecutors said Siddiq was tried as a Bangladeshi citizen, a claim her lawyers dispute. Senior UK legal figures have raised concerns about due process, and the Labour Party said it does not recognise the judgment, citing the lack of a fair legal process. Siddiq retains her party membership and the Labour whip.