Yunus interfering in UK politics: Hasina's niece Tulip alleges smear campaign
Siddiq's claims come weeks after Yunus, while on his UK trip, declined to meet her, which she said was to "clear the misunderstandings". Months ago in January, Siddiq stepped down from her role as Treasury minister following corruption allegations involving her family members, including Hasina.The Labour MP said that statements made by Yunus in a TV interview had affected her chances of getting a fair investigation, meaning the ongoing corruption enquiries into her should be dropped, Sky News reported.Yunus in March said that Siddiq "has so much wealth left behind in Bangladesh" and "should be made responsible".SIDDIQ TERMS ALL THE ALLEGATION AGAINST HER AS 'BASELESS, UNLAWFUL'In a letter sent on Monday, June 23, to Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh's ACC, Siddiq's legal team stated that it is time for the chief adviser and the probe agency to end the investigation, calling it a baseless and unlawful effort to damage her reputation and disrupt her public role.advertisementSiddiq termed all the allegations against her as a "political vendetta.""I will not be allowing them to drag me into their world of dirty politics and nothing is going to stop me from pursuing the job that I was elected to do with an overwhelming majority, which is representing the people of Hampstead and Highgate," she told Sky News on Monday."So they need to stop this political vendetta, this smear campaign, and this malicious persecution right from the beginning," she added.Earlier this month, Siddiq sought a meeting with the Bangladeshi leader during his official UK visit to clarify what she described as a "misunderstanding" related to corruption allegations. However, the chief adviser declined, stating he did not want to "disrupt an ongoing legal process".The Bangladeshi probe agency accused Siddiq of illegally receiving land during the rule of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. Officials of the interim regime in Dhaka estimate that roughly $234 billion (approximately 27.38 lakh crore Taka) was illegally taken out of the country through corruption during Hasina's time in office. They claim that a significant portion of these funds has been hidden or used in the UK.PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SIDDIQ MAY PROCEED IN ABSENTIA: DHAKAYunus's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, denied Siddiq's charges of interference in British politics. He added that all cases pending against her would be resolved in the Bangladesh courts.advertisementIn response to Siddiq's letter, Shafiqul Alam stated that the chief adviser and Bangladesh's ACC have no justification or authority to involve themselves in UK political matters."The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony," Sky News quoted Alam as saying. "We hope both the British legal system and the British press appreciate that any pending criminal charge will be resolved in the courts under the provisions of the laws of the land.""Since the courts have summoned Miss Siddiq and warrants have also been issued, it is her responsibility to defend her position in court," Alam added."If she needs any legal support and is unable to obtain it herself, Bangladesh will provide it. If Miss Siddiq wilfully ignores the court summons, proceedings against her may proceed in absentia," Alam concluded.- Ends
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The Hindu
29 minutes ago
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BJP leader's ‘no language called Bengali' jibe sparks outrage, leaves Trinamool fuming
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First Post
an hour ago
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Bangladesh struggles with reform and stability a year after Sheikh Hasina's exit
One year after the removal of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to face political deadlock, religious polarization, and criticism over stalled reforms and delayed elections, as the country navigates an uncertain democratic transition. read more Protesters celebrate at the Parliament House premise after news of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. File image/AP Bangladesh appeared poised for change last year when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office following a student-led protest movement, ending her 15-year rule and prompting her to flee to India. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government, pledging to restore calm, implement electoral and constitutional reforms, and conduct credible elections after weeks of unrest beginning on July 15, 2024, left hundreds dead. One year later, the interim government continues to face political instability, religious polarization, and ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order. Hasina is currently on trial for crimes against humanity in absentia while in exile in India. Despite significant upheaval, efforts to build a Bangladesh founded on liberal democracy, political tolerance, and communal harmony have yet to succeed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled,' said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, a New York-based human rights organization. Change remains limited The anti-government movement resulted in significant casualties. Hundreds, including many students, were killed in demonstrations marked by violent clashes. Protesters set fire to police stations and government offices, while confrontations between rival political groups turned deadly. Abdur Rahman Tarif and his sister Meherunnesa joined the protests after the death of a cousin allegedly shot by security forces. He recalled being on the phone with Meherunnesa when the line went dead. Upon returning home through conflict-hit areas in Dhaka, he learned that she had been struck by a stray bullet while standing near a window. She later died at the hospital. Following the transition, the Yunus administration established 11 reform commissions, including one focused on building national consensus with political parties to guide governance and electoral reforms. Progress, however, has been slow. Political disputes have delayed agreement on an election timetable. Mob violence, attacks on political groups, and increased hostility toward women and minorities have been reported. 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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Chinese students at UK universities asked to monitor classmates, report on talks critical of China: report
Chinese students in the UK are being asked by officials to monitor their classmates and report on discussions that may be critical of China, according to a new report by the UK-China Transparency (UKCT) think tank, the BBC reports. The report, based on a survey of academics in China studies, also found that some university staff had been warned by Chinese officials not to speak about certain topics in class. The Chinese embassy in London rejected the findings, telling the BBC the report was 'groundless and absurd'. A spokesperson said China respects freedom of speech in the UK and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. The findings come soon after a new law came into effect in the UK, requiring universities to actively promote academic freedom and free speech, even when they have partnerships with foreign governments. The Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator, said freedom of speech and academic freedom are 'fundamental' to universities. OfS chief executive Susan Lapworth has said Confucius Institutes—cultural centres funded by the Chinese government and hosted at UK universities—should be examined under the new law due to concerns about foreign influence. Some universities may hesitate to raise concerns about interference because of the high number of Chinese students and the fees they pay, the UKCT said. According to the report, some students from China told lecturers they had been asked by officials to observe and report on their peers. Other students said they felt uncomfortable discussing topics considered sensitive by the Chinese government, and were reluctant to pursue further study in those areas. Topics seen as sensitive include China's policies in Xinjiang, the origins of Covid-19, and the country's growing tech industry. Some academics also said they had been harassed or intimidated. The report said some researchers were denied visas to China, and others said their families in China were pressured because of their work in the UK. There were also reports of intimidation by visiting Chinese scholars and by staff linked to Confucius Institutes. The OfS said it already has powers to ensure universities protect free speech, including from foreign influence. These powers will be expanded to include a new complaints system where staff and visiting speakers can raise concerns directly with the regulator. Universities that fail to protect academic freedom could face fines, with one already being fined £585,000 earlier this year. Universities UK, a group representing 141 institutions, said: 'Any threats to the freedom of our staff or students are taken very seriously. We work closely with the government to prevent this.' A government spokesperson said, 'Anyone working or studying at our universities should know their rights to personal and academic freedom are protected when they are on British soil.' Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added, 'Academic freedom is non-negotiable in our universities. Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate or harass people in the UK will not be tolerated.' She said the new law makes universities' responsibilities clear, and that institutions failing to act 'will face the consequences'. (With inputs from BBC)
