Tulip Siddiq Under Pressure, Shares Her Thoughts

 Tulip Siddiq Under Pressure, Shares Her Thoughts

Pressure Mounts on UK Minister Tulip Siddiq Over Controversial Flat Deal

UK Labour Party minister Tulip Siddiq is facing increasing scrutiny following reports that she received a flat in London free of charge from property developer Abdul Motalif. The flat, located near King's Cross, was given to Siddiq without any financial obligation on her part. This revelation comes amid concerns over Motalif's connections to individuals linked to Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and her ousted associates. The details emerged in a Financial Times report, leading to growing pressure on Siddiq.

On Sunday, British media outlet Daily Mail questioned Siddiq multiple times about the flat. She was asked whether she had received the two-bedroom property from individuals associated with her "authoritarian aunt." Siddiq had previously stated that she did not receive the flat as a gift. She insisted that her parents had purchased the flat for her, even threatening legal action against the accusations.

However, Labour Party sources have confirmed that the flat was indeed given to Siddiq by Motalif out of gratitude. Daily Mail reported that Tory party members have now called for her resignation, urging that Siddiq clarify her position regarding the property deal. Tory MP Bob Blackman demanded Siddiq explain her transactions, stating that failing to do so would render her unfit for her ministerial role. Another Tory MP, Ben Obis-Jektin, expressed concern over the new revelations regarding Siddiq.

Siddiq currently serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, responsible for overseeing the UK's efforts to tackle corruption in the financial sector. She is also the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, the sister of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to Financial Times, documents related to the UK Land Registry reveal that Siddiq was given the flat near King's Cross in 2004. The flat had been purchased in 2001 for £195,000, though its current market value was not disclosed. A similar flat in the same building was sold last August for £650,000, or approximately 9.8 crore Bangladeshi taka.

Additionally, voter registration documents suggest that Siddiq lived in the flat in the early 2000s. Over the years, her siblings also resided there. In Siddiq’s financial disclosures submitted to Parliament, she mentioned receiving rental income from two properties, including this flat.

An individual familiar with the situation told Financial Times that Motalif gave the flat to Siddiq as a "gesture of gratitude" because her parents had financially supported him during a difficult time in his life.

Motalif, now 70 years old, lives in South East London. Voter registration documents show that another individual named Mojibul Islam lives at Motalif's address. Mojibul's father was a Member of Parliament in Bangladesh, representing the Awami League from 2014 to 2024.

While Motalif confirmed to Financial Times that he purchased the King's Cross flat, he declined to comment on what happened to it afterward.

This growing controversy is putting significant pressure on Tulip Siddiq, with calls for transparency and accountability in her financial dealings. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the true nature of the arrangement and whether Siddiq’s actions conflict with the ethical standards expected of a public servant.