Bangladesh graft verdict on UK MP Tulip Siddiq makes international headlines

The sentencing of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison in a plot allocation corruption case in Dhaka's Purbachal New Town project has drawn widespread coverage in global media. Hasina's sister Sheikh Rehana was sentenced to seven years and fined Tk 100,000 each, while Rehana's daughter, UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, received two years' rigorous imprisonment and a similar fine.

The verdict was delivered on Monday (1 December) by Justice Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4.

BBC headlined: "Tulip Siddiq MP given jail sentence in Bangladesh after trial in her absence". Reuters reported: "British MP Tulip Siddiq sentenced to two years in prison in Bangladesh graft case".

The Guardian wrote: "Bangladesh court sentences UK MP Tulip Siddiq to two years prison in absentia". Sky News said: "Labour MP Tulip Siddiq sentenced to two years in prison at corruption trial in Bangladesh". The Pamphlet titled: "British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of Sheikh Hasina, given 2 years jail sentence in Bangladesh".

US News stated: "British MP Tulip Siddiq Sentenced to Two Years in Prison in Bangladesh Graft Case". South China Morning Post reported: "Hasina's niece, UK MP Tulip Siddiq, sentenced to 2 years' jail in Bangladesh land case".

In the case, ACC Deputy Director Salahuddin filed charges on 13 January against Sheikh Rehana for abusing power to obtain a 10-katha plot in Purbachal's diplomatic zone. Sheikh Hasina and 15 others were later added as accused. After investigation, two more were included on 10 March, bringing the total to 17.

Other accused: Md Saiful Islam Sarkar (administrative officer, Housing Ministry), Purbi Goldar (senior assistant secretary), Oliullah (additional secretary), Kazi Wasi Uddin (secretary), Md Anishur Rahman Mina (PA to former RAJUK chairman), Mohammad Khurshid Alam (former RAJUK member), Tanmoy Das, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Major (Engr) Samsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (retd), Md Nurul Islam (former director), Majharul Islam (assistant director), Nayeb Ali Sharif (deputy director), former PM's private secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, and former Housing State Minister Sharif Ahmed.

Of the 17 accused, only Khurshid Alam surrendered and is in custody. Arrest warrants have been issued for the rest, including Hasina.

Charges were framed on 31 July, and 32 witnesses testified. ACC Public Prosecutor Mainul Hasan said: "We have proven the charges against the accused with all evidence."

During the hearing, the judge noted that Tulip, despite no direct plot, exerted "special influence" over her aunt Hasina to secure family allotments.

This is the fourth case in a series of six plot graft allegations filed in January. Three verdicts have been delivered, with the fourth announced today. Hasina received 21 years across three cases on 27 November, while Joy and Saima Wazed were sentenced to five years in one.

Rehana and Tulip now face additional time. Rehana is the main accused as plot allottee, followed by Tulip and Hasina.

The case alleges that while in power, Hasina and family abused authority to fraudulently obtain six plots in Purbachal's diplomatic zone (Sector 27, Road No. 203) by falsely claiming poverty, despite ineligibility.