Removed from position On Tuesday, the son of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also serves as an adviser, dismissed allegations of corruption linked to the family’s involvement in the 2015 awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract, labeling them as “completely bogus” and part of a “smear campaign.”
On Monday, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission announced an inquiry into claims of corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, which Russia’s state-owned Rosatom supports.
In 2015, an agreement was reached to construct two power plants, each boasting a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
The commission has accused Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed, and her niece Tulip Siddiq, a British treasury minister, of engaging in financial irregularities totaling approximately $5 billion through offshore accounts.
Rosatom, recognized as the leading global supplier of enriched uranium, has dismissed the allegations against it, emphasizing its dedication to fighting corruption across all its initiatives and asserting that it upholds a transparent procurement process.
In a statement emailed to Reuters, Rosatom State Corporation expressed its readiness to protect its interests and reputation through legal means.
“Officials view misleading reports in the media as efforts to undermine the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, which is designed to address the nation’s energy supply challenges and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Bangladesh.”
Siddiq has yet to respond to the request for comment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer representative stated that Siddiq had refuted any connection to the allegations and expressed confidence in her capabilities. The spokesperson confirmed that Siddiq will remain in her position.
Wazed, representing the family, asserted that they had become the subjects of a politically motivated witch hunt in Bangladesh.
“These allegations are entirely unfounded and represent a deliberate attempt to tarnish reputations.” “Neither my family nor I have ever been involved in or received any funds from government projects,” he stated in an interview with Reuters from his residence in Washington.
“Siphoning off billions from a $10 billion project is not feasible.” There are no offshore accounts in our possession. I have resided in the United States for three decades, while my aunt and cousins have been in the United Kingdom for approximately the same duration. “While we do have accounts here, none of us have ever encountered such a significant sum of money.”
Hasina has remained out of public view since her departure to New Delhi in early August following a violent uprising against her in Bangladesh. Attempts by Reuters to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful. An interim government has been in charge of the country since that time.
On Monday, officials in Dhaka announced that they had requested India to return Hasina. New Delhi has confirmed the request, though officials have opted not to provide additional commentary.
Wazeb stated that the family has yet to conclude Hasina’s potential return to Bangladesh and emphasized that New Delhi has not requested that she pursue asylum elsewhere.