Hasina listens to Tulip’s maiden speech in UK Parliament

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has listened to the maiden speech of her niece Tulip Siddiq in the House of Commons.

The Labour MP took part in a debate on the EU referendum on Tuesday.

The UK is set to have a referendum by the end of 2017 on whether or not to remain in the 28-nation bloc.

Hasina, currently visiting London, listened to Tulip’s speech from the gallery. 

Son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy and his wife, and daughter Saima Wazed Hossain Putul accompanied Hasina.

Tulip’s mother and Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and husband Chris Percy were also there.

Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group Keith Vaz greeted Hasina at the House of Commons.

Tulip was elected from Hampstead and Kilburn on a Labour ticket in last month’s parliamentary polls.

She spoke about the assassination of her grandfather, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Her mother and aunt were the only survivors of the incident as they were abroad. 

She recalled how her family settled down at Hampstead and Kilburn.

In her 10-minute speech, the 32-year old thanked the voters for electing her. 

Tulip Siddiq receives flowers from her aunt Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in his June 15, 2015 file photo. Siddiq is the third British-Bangladeshi to be elected to the UK parliament.

She discussed the constituency’s importance and demanded keeping the UK’s door open to immigrants.

Rushanara Ali, the first British-Bangladeshi MP, was present.

Rupa Huq is the other British-Bangladeshi to be elected to Parliament.

Tulip, in her immediate reaction after the election victory, had thanked her aunt Hasina.

“She taught me most,” Tulip had said. “I learned everything about politics from her.”

After Tulip’s speech, Hasina and Rehana met Baroness D'Souza, the Speaker of the House of Lords, Hasina’s Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury said.

New British MP Tulip Siddiq says she learned politics from aunt Sheikh Hasina

Tulip, Rupa, Rushanara win

‘Our’ brave British daughters, rooted in Bangladesh