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Published : 01 Dec 2025, 11:05 PM
A Dhaka court’s verdict in the Purbachal plot graft case involving Sheikh Rehana made headlines not only in Bangladesh but also across major international news outlets.
The court handed UK MP Tulip Siddiq a two-year prison sentence in absentia on Monday, while her mother Rehana received seven years and her aunt, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was given a five-year term.
British media treated the ruling as a major development, particularly against the backdrop of Tulip recently losing her ministerial post in the UK after facing allegations linked to family corruption.
BBC, Reuters and others highlighted 43-year-old Labour leader’s sentence.
Prosecutors accused Tulip of using her influence to help her mother obtain a nearly 669-sqm plot in Dhaka’s Purbachal by persuading her aunt, the then prime minister.
Tulip, who is the representative of the Hampstead and Highgate constituency, has consistently rejected all allegations against her, dismissing the case as “flawed and farcical”.
The BBC ran the headline: “Tulip Siddiq MP given jail sentence in Bangladesh after trial in her absence.”
Its report opened with the circumstances of her trial in absentia, summarised the accusations and then carried Tulip’s rebuttal, quoting her as saying that the entire process was “flawed and farcical” and that she is not at risk of serving the sentence while living in London.
Reuters headlined its story: “UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq handed jail sentence in absentia in Bangladesh graft case.”
The agency reported Tulip’s immediate denial of the charges and quoted her describing the outcome of this “kangaroo court” to be “as predictable as it is unjustified”.
Reuters also carried a Labour Party spokesperson’s comment saying, "Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them. Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment.”
The piece noted that the UK has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh.
The Guardian went with: “Bangladesh court sentences UK MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison in absentia.”
It reported that none of the suspects or family members were present for the judgment and reiterated that Tulip is unlikely to serve the sentence.
The Telegraph published: “Tulip Siddiq sentenced to two years in prison over corruption in Bangladesh.”
Its report summarised the allegation and the verdict before highlighting Tulip’s comments.
The Telegraph also cited remarks to Sky News by Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, who said: “Tulip has made it very clear that she denies any wrongdoing whatsoever.”
“She’s tried to engage, as I understand, with this progress in Bangladesh unsuccessfully and she’s concluded it was more of a political operation than a legal one,” he added.
According to The Telegraph, Jones nodded when asked whether the government supported her.
The Financial Times ran the headline: “Ex-UK minister Tulip Siddiq receives two-year jail sentence in Bangladesh,” noting that the ruling was delivered in the absence of all suspects and that enforcement is unlikely without an extradition agreement.
The Independent’s headline read: “Labour MP Tulip Siddiq handed two-year prison sentence for corruption in Bangladesh,” repeating that she denied the charges and emphasising the absence of an extradition treaty.
Evening Standard filed the story under: “Tulip Siddiq hits out at ‘flawed and farcical’ corruption verdict as she gets jail sentence in Bangladesh.”
It said the former minister was seen at her London home on Monday morning and quoted her describing the verdict as “dirty politics of Bangladesh”.
The ruling was delivered by Robiul Alam of Dhaka’s Fourth Special Judge Court.
Prosecutors alleged that despite already owning residential property in Dhaka, Rehana concealed information to obtain a plot in the Purbachal New Town project through irregular means; that Sheikh Hasina abused her authority to assist her sister; and that Tulip influenced her aunt to secure the plot.
Tulip has repeatedly dismissed all accusations as “politically motivated smear campaigns”.
Following the fall of the Awami League government during the Uprising on Aug 5 last, Hasina fled to India with her sister Rehana, while Tulip remained in the UK.
The court deemed them absconders, and proceedings continued without defence counsel.
