Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation into allegations of a $5 billion embezzlement linked to a Russian-funded nuclear power plant, implicating ousted leader Sheikh Hasina and her family. The probe, announced on Monday, also targets Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, a British lawmaker and government minister.
The allegations stem from a high court writ filed by Hasina’s political rival, Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement, who accused her family of corruption. “We seek justice through our court,” Hajjaj told AFP.
The controversy centers around the financing of the $12.65 billion Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh’s first such project, which is funded primarily by a 90% loan from Russia. According to the commission, the inquiry is focused on claims that Hasina and her family siphoned off $5 billion from the project into offshore accounts in Malaysia through “questionable procurement practices” and overpriced construction.
The commission highlighted concerns of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and abuse of power, raising questions about the project’s integrity and the misuse of public funds. It is also investigating allegations of embezzlement from a government housing scheme for the homeless.
Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5, seeking refuge in India following a revolution that overthrew her government. Her departure has sparked public outrage, with many demanding she be tried for alleged “mass murder.” Attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.
Tulip Siddiq has denied any involvement in the embezzlement claims, as stated by the British prime minister’s office, while Sajeeb Wazed Joy, reportedly based in the United States, was unavailable for comment.
The investigation into the alleged corruption surrounding Sheikh Hasina and her family marks a critical moment for Bangladesh, where accusations of graft have long been a contentious issue in political and public discourse. The Rooppur nuclear power plant, touted as a cornerstone of the country’s energy ambitions, has now become a symbol of alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of power.
Observers say the inquiry could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape and its relations with Russia, given the plant’s significant reliance on Russian funding and expertise. Moscow has yet to comment on the allegations or the investigation.
Political analysts suggest that the fallout from these allegations could deepen divisions within the country’s political factions. Hasina’s exile and the charges against her family have already triggered debates about accountability and governance, with critics arguing that such corruption scandals undermine public trust in government institutions.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission has emphasized its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent investigation. “No one is above the law, and we will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” the commission’s statement read.
The case has also drawn international attention due to the involvement of Siddiq, a sitting British MP, and her denial of any wrongdoing. The British government is expected to monitor the situation closely, given its potential implications for Siddiq’s political standing and diplomatic relations.
As the probe unfolds, the commission is likely to face challenges in tracing financial transactions across borders and securing international cooperation, particularly if evidence leads to jurisdictions like Malaysia or the United States.
For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the allegations, with both Hasina’s supporters and detractors awaiting further developments. The case not only threatens to tarnish the legacy of one of Bangladesh’s most prominent political leaders but also raises broader concerns about the governance of mega-projects in the country.
