Tulip’s mother Sheikh Rehana says she never wanted her daughter to go into politics

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s daughter Sheikh Rehana says that, at one time, she did not want her daughter Tulip Siddiq - who was re-elected as a British MP for a fourth consecutive term – to enter politics.

Rehana says she has made no contributions as a mother to Tulip’s successes in politics, reports bdnews24.com.

Tulip, the Labour candidate from Hampstead and Highgate in northwest London, defeated Conservative Party candidate Don Williams by a margin of 15,000 votes in Thursday’s election.

In an interview with Somoy TV after the election results, Rehana said: “I never dreamt that she [Tulip] would enter politics. It’s her own decision. I wanted her to be a teacher, a judge, a barrister or something else.”

“But she entered politics through her own efforts. I have no contribution there. But, as her mother, I do care for her as much as I can.”

Tulip, the daughter of Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Rehana and Shafique Siddique, was born in London’s Mitcham. She spent most of her childhood in Bangladesh, India and Singapore. She holds a Master’s degree in Politics, Policy and Government from King’s College London.

After joining the Labour Party at the age of 16, Tulip worked with Amnesty International Greater London and Save the Children.

She was elected as the first woman councillor of Bangladeshi origin for Camden Council in 2010. She has been elected as an MP from Hampstead for four consecutive terms since 2015.

Rehana said, “My daughter was re-elected as an MP. I expect her to serve the people with devotion whenever needed. She does not only work in the constituency in the run-up to an election but does so throughout the year. It is hard to serve people when you live abroad and have to look after your family and raise your kids.”

Tulip, 41, has regularly been in the limelight due to her family’s political background and her candidacy for a hotly contested seat in northwest London. Throughout her political career in the UK, she has had to face many challenges due to her family’s political identity.

Tulip’s mother said, “She has dedicated her life to ethical political practices. She needs no introduction. I seek everyone’s prayers so that she can work with honesty and devotion.”

Keir Starmer, the 61-year-old Labour Party leader who began his political career in his 50s, is set to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom. Tulip and her brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq were present when Starmer appeared before his supporters after his re-election from the Holborn and St Pancras seat.

Tulip has previously held several roles in the shadow cabinet as an MP of the opposition Labour Party in the British Parliament.

However, this time, she may be appointed to a new role as a minister of the Labour government.

Following her win, Tulip said: “Thank you everyone. With your prayers, I have been elected for a fourth time. Our Bangladeshi community has always supported me. I am very grateful. They have supported me this time as well.”

“I want our three sisters – Rupa, Rushanara, Afsana – all of them to win, so we all can serve the Labour government.”