Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq’s lawyer was denied any details about the case towards 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 improvement 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 by means of “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 advised Sky Information her lawyer was in court docket day by day final week to request data, however was denied it.
Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
The report within the Every day Telegraph stated that if the MP refuses to attend court docket in Bangladesh on 11 August, a trial can be held in her absence.
It’s understood she won’t be on the court docket then.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyer stated: “For almost a yr now, the Bangladesh authorities have been making false allegations towards 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 answer formal authorized correspondence, and a failure to hunt any assembly with or query Ms Siddiq in the course of the latest 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 details, 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 impede 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
‘Go away 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 “intervene with UK politics”.
In a authorized letter seen by Sky Information in June, the MP additionally stated feedback made by Professor Yunus in a Sky Information interview have prejudiced her proper to a good investigation, which means the corruption inquiries must be dropped.
The interim chief, who took over after Ms Hasina was ousted final yr following violent protests, stated 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 stated he and the ACC “has no purpose and scope to intervene in UK politics”.
“The Anti-Corruption Fee depends not on rumour however on documentary proof and witness testimony,” they stated.
