The British Bangladesh problem

Why should we be interested in what’s going on in Bangladesh, I hear you ask?

It’s a good question, though there are a few good answers. First, we should be compassionate about what goes on in other countries and it’s fair to say, they’ve had it bad in Bangladesh over the last 15 years.

Its 172 million people have been ruled by Sheikh Hasina, an autocrat who it is strongly alleged has overseen an end to media freedom, introduced extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, rigged elections – all on a grand scale.

Another reason why we should be interested in Bangladesh is because of its impact on the UK.

Following major riots in that country, where hundreds of protesters were shot dead, Sheikh Hasina, and her sister, Rehana Siddiq, had to flee Bangladesh with help from the military. They are now languishing in neighbouring India but according to numerous reports they’re trying to come to the UK.

Letting the old Bangladesh despotic regime settle in Britain would be a major mistake.

Our immigration rules are clear that you should seek asylum in the first safe country you enter, this means Hasina should settle in India. Why would we bend the rules for this dictator? Whilst her sister, Siddiq, has dual nationality and a British passport this should be revoked by the Home Secretary on the grounds that its not conducive to public good.

Hasina and Siddiq face major allegations relating to oppression and corruption. Britain should be helping to punish them – get justice for the Bangladesh people – not help shelter these despots.

The reason Hasina and Siddiq’s presence in the UK is not conducive to public good is because it will stir up tensions in our towns and cities. There are over 650,000 people of Bangladeshi origin in the UK, and they will not take lightly to having their people’s oppressors coming and living amongst us. We should not create a situation that requires additional policing and more protection at a cost to us the British taxpayer.

The British Bangladesh problem has an added complication.

Hasina and Siddiq have an exceptionally close relative at the centre of the Labour Government – step forward Tulip Siddiq MP and Treasury Minister.

Tulip is the daughter of Rehana Siddiq, and Hasina is her auntie. Tulip used to be a spokesperson for their oppressive Awami League political party. Tulip described Hasina as “a strong female role model.” As the Mail on Sunday recently showed, the whole family are intertwined with a range of business people who have done very well out of the regime. The Awami League have claimed that they helped Tulip win elections here in the UK.

The final reason why we should be interested in Bangladesh is because it’s a big test for our new Prime Minister. Will he break immigration rules, risk discontent on our streets and saddle us with security costs for these people? Will Starmer support the Hasina/Siddiq family and bring them all together here in Britain? Or will Keir Starmer do the right thing and keep Hasina and Siddiq out of the UK? Only time will tell.