TIB Criticizes State Minister Humayun Kabir for Hostile Response to Questions on Dual Citizenship
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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir’s recent dismissal of media inquiries regarding his alleged dual citizenship, describing his reaction as a “shoot the messenger” tactic. The anti-corruption watchdog warned that such rhetoric undermines media freedom, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to information.
The controversy centers on Kabir’s appointment under the technocrat quota. In a press statement issued Tuesday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman asserted that holding a state ministerial position while maintaining dual citizenship is constitutionally contentious. He argued that by failing to provide a transparent account of his citizenship status, the State Minister has cast doubt upon the legitimacy of his own appointment.
Reports from various sources, including UK-based Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, suggest that Kabir, who was sworn in last Friday, was raised in the United Kingdom and holds British citizenship. It remains unclear whether he formally renounced his foreign nationality prior to assuming his state duties.
When journalists questioned Kabir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding his citizenship status, the Minister responded with counter-questions, asking who authored the reports and suggesting that critics were motivated by political agendas reminiscent of the 2007-2008 caretaker government era.
Iftekharuzzaman characterized these remarks as reflective of the “authoritarian practices of a fallen regime.” He emphasized that the identity of the journalists or the origin of the reports is irrelevant; the fundamental issue is whether the Minister held foreign citizenship at the time of his appointment. TIB noted that as a high-ranking state official, Kabir has a professional and ethical obligation to provide a direct answer to questions of constitutional and public interest.
TIB further warned that such aggressive rhetoric toward the press creates a “chilling effect,” potentially discouraging journalists from investigating sensitive issues involving those in power. The organization highlighted that the ambiguity surrounding the appointment is not only an embarrassment to the current administration but also carries international implications for the state.
Calling for urgent transparency, TIB demanded that the government officially disclose the State Minister’s citizenship status and verify the constitutional validity of his appointment. Furthermore, the organization urged the government to ensure similar transparency regarding the citizenship status of all other ministers, state ministers, and high-ranking officials to uphold constitutional accountability.
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