UK Legal Experts Decry 'Contrived' Bangladesh Proceedings Against MP
Prominent British lawyers have united to condemn the ongoing trial in Bangladesh of former UK City minister Tulip Siddiq, describing the proceedings as fundamentally unfair and politically motivated. The legal experts, including former Conservative justice secretary Robert Buckland KC, have written to Bangladesh's high commissioner expressing profound concerns ahead of Thursday's verdict.
Basic Rights Denied in Absentia Trial
The Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, who resigned from her government position in January, faces a verdict and potential life sentence in absentia. Siddiq has been denied basic legal rights throughout the process, according to the lawyers' letter addressed to Abida Islam, Bangladesh's high commissioner in the UK.
The distinguished legal group, which also includes former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve, Cherie Blair KC, Philippe Sands KC and Geoffrey Robertson KC, revealed that Siddiq has been unable to access the charges against her or secure proper legal representation. A lawyer she appointed in Bangladesh was forced to withdraw after being placed under house arrest and receiving threats against his daughter.
Political Context and Family Connections
Siddiq finds herself embroiled in legal proceedings alongside her aunt, mother, brother and sister in Dhaka. The case centres on allegations that she influenced her aunt, Sheikh Hasina - Bangladesh's former prime minister who recently received a death sentence for crimes against humanity - to secure a plot of land in a Dhaka suburb for her mother.
Siddiq vehemently denies all accusations, maintaining they represent politically motivated attacks rather than legitimate legal proceedings. The timing coincides with increasing international scrutiny of Bangladesh's judicial processes under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The lawyers emphasised in their letter that Siddiq cannot be considered a fugitive, given her status as an elected MP who remains fully contactable at the House of Commons. They noted that proper extradition procedures could have been pursued if legitimate grounds existed for the charges.
Media Interference and Intimidation Patterns
Concerns extend beyond Siddiq's individual case to broader patterns of judicial interference. The legal experts highlighted that Bangladesh's anti-corruption commission has joined Yunus in making repeated public comments about Siddiq's alleged culpability, severely compromising the possibility of a fair trial.
The lawyers wrote they find it difficult to see how such widespread media engagement by those in power can be consistent with a fair and impartial trial free from interference. They described the process as artificial and contrived, falling far short of internationally recognised standards of fairness.
This condemnation comes despite Siddiq having been cleared of wrongdoing in January by Sir Laurie Magnus, Keir Starmer's independent adviser on the ministerial code. While Magnus found no misconduct, he noted it was regrettable that Siddiq hadn't been more alert to potential reputational risks arising from her familial connections while serving in the Treasury.
The legal group has called upon Bangladeshi authorities to immediately rectify these serious concerns and ensure proper legal procedures are followed. Siddiq resigned from her roles as economic secretary to the Treasury and City minister, stating the allegations from Bangladesh were creating an unacceptable distraction for the government.
The Bangladeshi high commission has been approached for comment regarding these serious allegations about their judicial process.
