Dhaka, Jun 09 (V7N) — British MP and former minister Tulip Siddique has written to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, requesting a meeting during his upcoming official visit to the United Kingdom. The Guardian, a prominent UK-based media outlet, reported the development on Monday.

In her letter, Tulip Siddique expressed her desire to resolve what she described as a “misunderstanding” regarding the corruption allegations brought against her by Bangladeshi authorities.

The accusations against Tulip, the daughter of Sheikh Rehana and niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stem from investigations into alleged financial irregularities during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Following a mass uprising in August last year, Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed, forcing her to flee to India. She is currently facing trial in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity.

Among the allegations against Tulip Siddique are claims of embezzlement related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, with investigations still ongoing. Additionally, Bangladeshi courts have issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddique, Radwan Mujib Siddique Bobby, Azmina Siddique Ruponti, and 53 others, linked to accusations of abuse of power to illegally acquire a 60-katha plot in Dhaka’s Purbachal area.

The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also summoned Tulip for questioning over allegations of receiving a luxury flat in Dhaka’s Gulshan area as a bribe. The ACC stated that it would examine 13 years of Tulip’s income tax records in Bangladesh as part of its ongoing probe.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to depart for the UK on Tuesday for a four-day bilateral visit. ACC Chairman Abdul Momen and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur will accompany him to advance efforts aimed at recovering laundered money allegedly siphoned from Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

In her letter, Tulip Siddique emphasized her British identity, writing: “I am a UK citizen, born in London, and have been representing the residents of Hampstead and Highgate in the UK Parliament for the past decade.”

She further stated: “I do not own any property in Bangladesh and have never had any interest or plans to own property or conduct business there. I love Bangladesh with all my heart, but it is not my homeland. I grew up, studied, and built my career in the UK.”

Tulip also criticized the conduct of the investigation, claiming that her lawyers in London had attempted to contact the ACC, but the commission refused to engage with them. She said letters from the ACC were being sent to an incorrect address in Dhaka.

Calling the investigation “fictitious,” Tulip wrote: “Every step of it is being leaked to the media without any formal communication with my legal representatives. Since you are visiting the UK, I am eager to meet you. I believe that through this meeting, the misconceptions about my relationship with my aunt Sheikh Hasina, promoted by the ACC, can be addressed and resolved.”

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is traveling to the UK at the invitation of King Charles III, during which he is scheduled to meet both the British monarch and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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