Muhammad Yunus Calls for UK Investigation into Corruption Allegations Against Sheikh Hasina's Niece

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Muhammad Yunus, the renowned Bangladeshi economist and social entrepreneur, has urged the UK government to investigate alleged corruption involving British minister Tulip Siddiq, who is also the niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In an interview with the Times, Yunus accused Siddiq of unlawfully acquiring properties through connections with her aunt's government, and he described these actions as "plain robbery."

Yunus's comments come as pressure mounts on Siddiq, who serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury in the UK, to resign after a scandal surfaced linking her to offshore property purchases associated with the Panama Papers. He emphasized that if Siddiq is found to have benefited from the misuse of assets gifted by allies of the previous regime, they should be returned to Bangladesh.

The Sunday Times reported on the growing calls for Siddiq's resignation following Yunus's allegations, highlighting a broader issue of corruption linked to the Awami League party, which has been accused of embezzling significant funds. Yunus called for not only a UK investigation but also recovery of assets believed to have been acquired with diverted funds. The UK's National Crime Agency has reportedly expressed willingness to assist in asset recovery efforts.

This escalating situation marks a significant intervention by Yunus that ties UK political accountability to ongoing issues of governance and corruption in Bangladesh.

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