A group of leading lawyers, including former UK justice secretary Robert Buckland KC, has condemned the trial in absentia of former City minister Tulip Siddiq in Bangladesh as 'contrived and unfair'. In a letter to Bangladesh's high commissioner in the UK, the lawyers expressed 'profound concern' over the proceedings, which they say deny Siddiq basic rights such as knowledge of the charges and access to legal representation.
Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and niece of ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, faces a verdict and potential life sentence on Thursday. She is accused of influencing Hasina to secure land for her mother, allegations she denies as politically motivated. The lawyers noted that a lawyer she instructed was placed under house arrest and his daughter threatened.
The group, which also includes Cherie Blair KC, Philippe Sands KC, and Geoffrey Robertson KC, argued that Siddiq is not a fugitive but an elected UK MP who could be extradited if proper grounds exist. They criticised the anti-corruption commission and interim government leader Muhammad Yunus for making prejudicial media comments, undermining trial fairness.
Siddiq resigned from her Treasury role in January after an independent adviser cleared her of wrongdoing but noted reputational risks from her family ties. The Bangladeshi high commission has been contacted for comment.
