UK MP Tulip Siddiq jailed in Bangladesh in absentia amid due-process concerns

British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who lives in London, has been handed a two-year prison sentence by a court in Dhaka in her absence. The case ties her to her aunt, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, amid a wave of prosecutions following a political shift in the country.

What happened in Dhaka?

In a trial conducted without her presence, the court found Siddiq guilty of pressuring her aunt to secure land for family members on the outskirts of Dhaka. She received a two-year prison term and a fine of £620. If the fine is not paid, the sentence could be extended by six months. Siddiq, who has been based in London, did not attend the proceedings.

Defence and response

Siddiq says she never received summons or a formal charge sheet and has engaged lawyers in the UK and Bangladesh to challenge the case. She described the process as flawed and a media-led trial that is deeply unfair.

Labour reaction and context

A Labour spokesperson said the party cannot recognise the verdict. It noted concerns raised by senior legal professionals that Siddiq did not have a fair hearing or access to full details of the charges, despite repeated requests for proper legal representation.

Broader context

The case forms part of a wider set of prosecutions against Hasina and close associates after the change in government. The UK and Bangladesh do not have an extradition treaty, and Siddiq has not been required to return to Dhaka for the trial despite an arrest warrant in the past.

Expert perspective

Legal experts say the case raises important questions about due process in trials held abroad, especially when the defendant is not present. A group of senior UK lawyers condemned the proceedings as artificial and urged that defendants receive proper legal representation.

Summary

The two-year sentence against Siddiq comes amid ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh and has drawn international scrutiny over fair trial standards. Siddiq maintains her innocence and continues to serve as a Labour MP while challenging the charges. The episode underscores concerns about how political cases are handled across borders and the impact on lawmakers’ careers.

Key insight: The Siddiq case highlights concerns about due process in politically charged prosecutions abroad and the impact on public trust in justice. BBC coverage