Enjoying the excuses

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Losing your anti-corruption minister in a corruption scandal is quite an achievement for any PM, let alone one who’s only just assumed office. In fairness, the scandal was some time ago and in another country, but nevertheless, there was enough rumour and innuendo doing the rounds to make someone at least question the wisdom. It needs to be said, of course, that it’s not at all clear whether the deal between Russia and Bangladesh actually involved corruption or not, let alone whether, or to what extent, Tulip Siddique was involved in it. The legal process in Bangladesh may or may not reach a conclusion about that in due course.

In the meantime, we can just sit back and enjoy the comical value of the excuses being put forward. Apparently, Siddique was only part of the group which travelled to Moscow to conclude the deal with Putin because she wasn’t seeing enough of her aunt. And only ended up in the picture with Putin because he invited her aunt to ask her family to step into the frame. I mean, who amongst us hasn’t found him or herself in the Kremlin on a jolly family outing, only to be invited at random by Putin himself to join a photograph marking the signing of a multi-billion contract? And then there’s the house she was gifted, which she claimed was from her parents, but was actually from a member of Bangladesh’s ruling clique. Again, who amongst us hasn’t been gifted a house without really knowing who the donor was, let alone where the money came from?

These are just everyday events of a completely innocent nature. For anyone who just happens to be related to the despotic head of a corrupt regime, at any rate. If the case ever comes to trial – something which is by no means certain – I’m doubtful that she will be convicted of any crime. Whether that means she’s a suitable candidate to return to ministerial duties is another question. Stupidity may not be an actual crime, but if there isn’t a test to avoid appointing those who are too stupid or naïve to be ministers, there certainly ought to be.