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Bangladesh Family Denies Corruption Allegations in $12.65B Nuclear Power Deal
Sheikh Hasina’s son dismisses corruption allegations over the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a 'smear campaign.' Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission investigates $5B irregularities.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-25
Bangladesh Family Denies Corruption Allegations in $12.65B Nuclear Power Deal

Allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering surrounding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, valued at $12.65 billion, have drawn the attention of Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The project, which was backed by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, was signed in 2015 for the construction of two 1,200-megawatt power plants aimed at addressing Bangladesh’s energy needs.

The ACC announced on Monday that it had launched an investigation into financial irregularities linked to the project, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s family members, including her son Sajeeb Wazed and her niece, British Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, of being involved in the alleged financial misconduct. The commission claims that offshore accounts held by the family were used to embezzle approximately $5 billion from the project.

In response, Wazed, who serves as an adviser to his mother and lives in Washington, strongly denied the allegations, calling them "completely bogus" and part of a “smear campaign.” He insisted that neither he nor his family members had ever been involved in any financial misconduct linked to government projects.

“These are completely bogus allegations and a smear campaign. My family nor I have ever been involved or taken any money from any government projects,” Wazed told Reuters. He further denied having any offshore accounts, stating, "It is not possible to siphon off billions from a $10bn project."

Siddiq, who is currently serving as a British Treasury Minister, also responded through a spokesperson, affirming that she had no involvement in the allegations and that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had confidence in her. Siddiq continues in her role without any changes.

Rosatom, the Russian company involved in the project, also dismissed the allegations, calling them an attempt to discredit the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. "We consider false statements in the media as an attempt to discredit the project, which is aimed at solving Bangladesh’s energy supply issues and improving the well-being of its people,” the company said in a statement to Reuters. Rosatom emphasized its commitment to transparency and its readiness to defend its interests in court.

The corruption investigation is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing political instability in Bangladesh. Since August, Prime Minister Hasina has not been seen publicly after fleeing to New Delhi following a deadly uprising against her government. The country has since been under the control of an interim government. The Bangladeshi government has reportedly requested Hasina’s return from India, but New Delhi has confirmed the request without offering further details.

Wazed addressed the situation from Washington, explaining that the family had not made a decision about Hasina’s return to Bangladesh, and clarified that New Delhi had not pressured her to seek asylum elsewhere.

Political Context
The corruption investigation comes at a time of heightened political tension in Bangladesh. The country's political landscape has been shaped by longstanding rivalry between the ruling Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, and opposition parties. The allegations involving the nuclear power project add another layer of complexity to the already volatile political climate.
Tagged:

Bangladesh

SheikhHasina

CorruptionInvestigation

RooppurNuclearPlant
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