In a significant development with international ramifications, a British Labour MP has been handed a prison sentence by a court in Bangladesh. Tulip Siddiq, the Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Kilburn, was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail on Monday 1 December 2025.
The Charges and Trial Details
The case, heard in Dhaka, centred on allegations that Siddiq illegally obtained plots of land in the city's prestigious diplomatic zone. Prosecutors argued she secured the land from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the country's former prime minister, through "abuse of power and influence". The trial proceeded without Siddiq's presence, as she was tried in absentia from the UK.
This legal action is part of a broader political upheaval in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power last year and has since been sentenced to death in a separate case. Reports indicate she fled to India before authorities could arrest her.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
The sentencing of a sitting UK MP by a foreign court is an exceptionally rare event and is likely to trigger diplomatic and political consequences. As a Labour MP, Siddiq's situation presents a complex challenge for her party, intertwining issues of international law, jurisdictional authority, and political accountability.
At this stage, it remains unclear what immediate practical impact the sentence will have, given it was delivered in absentia. However, it casts a long shadow over Siddiq's political career and raises serious questions about her future role in Parliament. The case is also a stark illustration of the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh following the removal of the previous government.
This is a breaking news story, and further details are expected to emerge as the situation develops. The implications for UK-Bangladesh relations and the internal dynamics of the Labour Party will be closely watched by observers in Westminster and beyond.
