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Yunus for probing UK properties linked to Tulip
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into Tulip Siddiq and her family’s properties in the United Kingdom, suggesting that those might have been purchased through illicit wealth linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, according to The Times.
Yunus for probing UK properties linked to Tulip
Salman F Rahman’s son, Shayan, linked to £1.2 million property bought by Tulip’s family
Photo: Collected
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into Tulip Siddiq and her family's properties in the United Kingdom, suggesting that those might have been purchased through illicit wealth linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, according to The Times.
The report claims that several London properties were linked to offshore companies and businessmen named in the Panama Papers.
In a recent interview, the chief adviser emphasised that the properties connected to Tulip should be thoroughly examined. He said that if it is found that these assets were acquired through unlawful means, they should be returned to the people of Bangladesh.
"It's about plain robbery," he said, accusing the former regime, which was toppled in a mass uprising on August 5 last year, of embezzling funds through fraudulent practices.
According to reports published in UK media, the properties in question were bought by associates of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Times report links the family of Tulip, a British MP for Hampstead and Highgate and the UK's anti-corruption minister, to five London properties bought with the help of offshore companies.
These properties are not currently under formal investigation, but Yunus urged the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission to look into them as part of its ongoing inquiries into corruption and embezzlement under Hasina's regime.
According to The Times report, one of these properties was a Hampstead home bought by an offshore company named in the Panama Papers. This particular company was connected to two Bangladeshi businessmen with ties to the Awami League. Tulip, who has previously spoken out against the use of offshore trusts to evade financial transparency, now faces intense scrutiny over her family's dealings.
Tulip has denied any wrongdoing and described allegations against her as politically motivated.
The reports have triggered a storm in the UK, with opposition Conservative MPs calling for Tulip to resign. However, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has said he has full confidence in Tulip.
Tulip has referred herself to the UK prime minister's ethics watchdog. A Downing Street spokesman said it was "completely untrue" to suggest the party had drawn up a shortlist as reported by some media.
In his remarks, Yunus expressed disbelief at the situation, noting that it was an "irony" that Tulip Siddiq, an anti-corruption minister in the UK, had been linked to these controversial properties.
While Yunus did not call for Tulip's resignation, he emphasised that her defence of the properties raised serious ethical questions.
"Maybe you [Tulip] didn't realise it, but now you do. You should say: 'Sorry, I didn't know it [at] that time, I seek forgiveness from the people that I did this and I resign.' But she is not saying that. She's defending herself."
The scandal comes amid wider allegations of corruption surrounding Hasina's government.
Asked whether Tulip's properties should be investigated by the ACC, Yunus said, "Absolutely".
He added that the commission should look at the "whole thing".
He also said that, if feasible, the properties bought by AL allies outside the country using illegal wealth should be returned.
"That's the intention of the interim government. How to bring them back," he said.
One of the key figures involved in the property purchases related to Tulip is Shayan Rahman, the son of Salman F Rahman, a billionaire and former adviser to Hasina. Shayan Rahman used an offshore trust to buy a £1.2 million property in Golders Green, London, which was used by Sheikh Rehana, Tulip's mother.
Shayan is currently under investigation by the Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department for laundering more than $80 million out of Bangladesh, with funds allegedly funnelled through Dubai.
Salman F Rahman was arrested after attempting to flee the country, and his son's whereabouts remain unknown.
Shayan Rahman is also known for his ties to the British Asian Trust, an anti-poverty charity founded by King Charles. He reportedly donated over £250,000 to the charity, and Charles publicly praised him for his support during a gala dinner at Buckingham Palace.
The National Crime Agency, the UK's equivalent of the FBI, has shown willingness to assist Bangladesh in recovering assets linked to illicit financial activities. In October 2024, NCA officers visited Dhaka to meet with local law enforcement, and they indicated that they could help freeze UK-based assets if requested.
Yunus expressed hope that the NCA, as well as other international law enforcement agencies, would continue to cooperate in tracking down and recovering stolen assets.
He stressed that the ongoing investigations must ensure that those responsible for embezzling Bangladesh's wealth are held accountable.
"We need to bring them to justice," Yunus declared.
Salman F Rahman’s son, Shayan, linked to £1.2 million property bought by Tulip’s family
Photo: Collected
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into Tulip Siddiq and her family's properties in the United Kingdom, suggesting that those might have been purchased through illicit wealth linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, according to The Times.
The report claims that several London properties were linked to offshore companies and businessmen named in the Panama Papers.
In a recent interview, the chief adviser emphasised that the properties connected to Tulip should be thoroughly examined. He said that if it is found that these assets were acquired through unlawful means, they should be returned to the people of Bangladesh.
"It's about plain robbery," he said, accusing the former regime, which was toppled in a mass uprising on August 5 last year, of embezzling funds through fraudulent practices.
According to reports published in UK media, the properties in question were bought by associates of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Times report links the family of Tulip, a British MP for Hampstead and Highgate and the UK's anti-corruption minister, to five London properties bought with the help of offshore companies.
These properties are not currently under formal investigation, but Yunus urged the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission to look into them as part of its ongoing inquiries into corruption and embezzlement under Hasina's regime.
According to The Times report, one of these properties was a Hampstead home bought by an offshore company named in the Panama Papers. This particular company was connected to two Bangladeshi businessmen with ties to the Awami League. Tulip, who has previously spoken out against the use of offshore trusts to evade financial transparency, now faces intense scrutiny over her family's dealings.
Tulip has denied any wrongdoing and described allegations against her as politically motivated.
The reports have triggered a storm in the UK, with opposition Conservative MPs calling for Tulip to resign. However, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has said he has full confidence in Tulip.
Tulip has referred herself to the UK prime minister's ethics watchdog. A Downing Street spokesman said it was "completely untrue" to suggest the party had drawn up a shortlist as reported by some media.
In his remarks, Yunus expressed disbelief at the situation, noting that it was an "irony" that Tulip Siddiq, an anti-corruption minister in the UK, had been linked to these controversial properties.
While Yunus did not call for Tulip's resignation, he emphasised that her defence of the properties raised serious ethical questions.
"Maybe you [Tulip] didn't realise it, but now you do. You should say: 'Sorry, I didn't know it [at] that time, I seek forgiveness from the people that I did this and I resign.' But she is not saying that. She's defending herself."
The scandal comes amid wider allegations of corruption surrounding Hasina's government.
Asked whether Tulip's properties should be investigated by the ACC, Yunus said, "Absolutely".
He added that the commission should look at the "whole thing".
He also said that, if feasible, the properties bought by AL allies outside the country using illegal wealth should be returned.
"That's the intention of the interim government. How to bring them back," he said.
One of the key figures involved in the property purchases related to Tulip is Shayan Rahman, the son of Salman F Rahman, a billionaire and former adviser to Hasina. Shayan Rahman used an offshore trust to buy a £1.2 million property in Golders Green, London, which was used by Sheikh Rehana, Tulip's mother.
Shayan is currently under investigation by the Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department for laundering more than $80 million out of Bangladesh, with funds allegedly funnelled through Dubai.
Salman F Rahman was arrested after attempting to flee the country, and his son's whereabouts remain unknown.
Shayan Rahman is also known for his ties to the British Asian Trust, an anti-poverty charity founded by King Charles. He reportedly donated over £250,000 to the charity, and Charles publicly praised him for his support during a gala dinner at Buckingham Palace.
The National Crime Agency, the UK's equivalent of the FBI, has shown willingness to assist Bangladesh in recovering assets linked to illicit financial activities. In October 2024, NCA officers visited Dhaka to meet with local law enforcement, and they indicated that they could help freeze UK-based assets if requested.
Yunus expressed hope that the NCA, as well as other international law enforcement agencies, would continue to cooperate in tracking down and recovering stolen assets.
He stressed that the ongoing investigations must ensure that those responsible for embezzling Bangladesh's wealth are held accountable.
"We need to bring them to justice," Yunus declared.
