Bangladesh Opens Trial of Tulip Siddiq Over Land Plot for Relatives

Bangladesh’s anti-corruption court formally opened the trial of British MP Tulip Siddiq on charges that she used her family connection to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to secure a plot of state land for relatives in Dhaka. The proceedings, which began with testimonies from anti-corruption commission officials, also involve Siddiq’s mother, sister, and brother, all of whom are accused of receiving land in the Purbachal area near the capital. Siddiq, who has denied the allegations, did not attend the hearing and says the case is politically motivated.

Two officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission testified on the opening day, with a third expected to follow later. Prosecutors told the Dhaka court that Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, allegedly influenced her aunt to obtain a 7,200-square-foot plot for family members who are named in the case. If found guilty, prosecutors indicate the penalty could be severe, with a potential life sentence under Bangladeshi law. The prosecution also noted a separate charge alleging that Siddiq’s family was involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in which funds were allegedly embezzled. In addition, the case file...