Momen Says Tulip’s Failure to Appear at ACC Costs Her Defense Rights

Tulip Siddiq, former UK minister and niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has lost the opportunity to defend herself after failing to appear before the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on the scheduled date, according to ACC Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen.

Siddiq was summoned to appear at the ACC headquarters on Wednesday, May 14, for questioning in a bribery case, but she did not show up. When asked by journalists, the ACC chairman confirmed the development.

He further stated that a red notice would be issued against her with the assistance of Interpol.

Momen noted that the then-Awami League government had signed an extradition treaty in 2011, enabling the return of accused individuals from abroad. “We have extradition treaties with a few countries, including India. This opportunity was created by the previous government. There are no legal obstacles to bringing back criminals,” he added.

Regarding the case, the ACC chairman said, “She (Tulip Siddiq) has lost the opportunity to defend herself. Not just Tulip—everyone, according to procedure, is given that opportunity. If someone doesn’t appear, then international legal procedures will be followed. Every citizen has the right to a fair trial, and all will receive that right.”

Earlier, on May 8, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also summoned by the ACC to provide a statement in an investigation into allegations of embezzling thousands of crores of taka in the name of various airport development projects.

Speaking about Siddiq’s non-appearance, Dr Momen said, “Like other accused individuals, she is also an accused. She was scheduled to appear today at the ACC to make a statement, but she did not. She will have to face this herself, and we will proceed according to our procedures.”

He also noted that if an accused person fails to appear in court, an in absentia trial may take place. “If the person does not appear before the court later, we will adopt international procedures,” he said.

On international measures, the chairman added, “If we cannot locate her through normal means, since she is a foreign national or absconding, a red notice will be issued with the help of Interpol.”