In London, a minister from the British Treasury has taken the step of reporting herself to the government’s ethics oversight body amid emerging allegations regarding her connections to real estate tied to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the previously ousted prime minister of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the actions of Tulip Siddiq, the Treasury’s economic secretary, stating on Monday that she “acted entirely properly” in her decision to consult with the independent adviser on ministerial standards.

Siddiq, who has a significant portfolio in addressing corruption within financial markets, was recently named in a corruption inquiry taking place in Bangladesh that involves her aunt. The investigation claims that Siddiq’s family played a role in brokering a deal with Russia in 2013, linked to a nuclear power project in Bangladesh, where substantial amounts of money were reportedly misappropriated.

The scrutiny of Siddiq intensified after the Sunday Times and Financial Times reported that she allegedly resided in two London properties provided by affiliates of Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League party, which is led by her aunt Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina, who held the office of prime minister for 15 years, was removed from power in August 2024 in the wake of widespread protests that resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. Following her ouster, Hasina fled to India and is currently facing a multitude of legal challenges related to the violence of that uprising, including serious accusations such as crimes against humanity.

In her correspondence with the ministerial standards watchdog, Siddiq, 42, asserted her innocence, expressing, “For the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters.”

Starmer expressed his confidence in Siddiq’s integrity, highlighting her career as a member of parliament for north London since 2015. Although she was set to be part of a UK government delegation traveling to China later this week, Siddiq will now remain in the country to address the unfolding situation.