TIB calls Humaiun Kobir's counter-questions over dual citizenship 'shoot the messenger' practice

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir's response to questions about his alleged dual citizenship, describing his counter-questions to journalists as an example of the "shoot the messenger" mindset associated with the ousted authoritarian regime.

In a statement today (25 August), TIB said appointing a person who retains dual citizenship as a state minister for foreign affairs under the technocrat quota would be unconstitutional.

The anti-graft watchdog also questioned Kobir's decision to accept the position without publicly clarifying his citizenship status.

"Instead of providing direct answers to specific questions asked by journalists in the course of their professional duties and in the public interest, the state minister responded by asking counter-questions," TIB said.

It condemned what it described as Kobir's "resentful and aggressive" response to journalists seeking relevant information, and called for an end to attempts to undermine media freedom, independent journalism, freedom of expression and people's right to information.

According to multiple media reports, Kobir holds foreign citizenship and has been involved in active politics in the country concerned.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the appointment of a dual citizen as a state minister under the technocrat quota was unconstitutional.

He said Kobir had further raised questions about the validity of his appointment by taking office without clearly explaining his position on the issue.

Instead of directly answering journalists' questions, Kobir reportedly asked, "Who is reporting the news?" and "Why are you so bothered about it?"

Iftekharuzzaman said journalists' right to ask questions on such matters, as well as the public's right to know, had become even more important following the political change brought about by the July Uprising.

He described the state minister's "resentful and aggressive" counter-questions directed at media outlets and journalists as "unbecoming of the dignity and responsibility of a state minister" and "ethically unacceptable and deeply concerning".

He said such a response was embarrassing for the government and contrary to the principles of free media, freedom of expression and independent journalism.

Such responses could discourage journalists from asking questions about sensitive issues involving people in power or holding public office, potentially creating self-censorship or a "chilling effect", Iftekharuzzaman said.

"Ultimately, it undermines the people's right to know," he said.

TIB called on the government to immediately disclose accurate and verifiable information about Kobir's actual citizenship status and take an appropriate decision on the constitutional validity of his appointment.

Earlier, Kobir faced questions about his citizenship at the foreign ministry yesterday (24 August) amid social media discussions over his alleged British citizenship and whether he had renounced it before taking office.

"I am Bangladeshi; I don't think there is anybody that will question my Bangladeshism," he told reporters.

Responding to questions about the social media reports, he asked, "Who is reporting the news?" and "Why are you so bothered about it?"

He also referred to the political period involving Moeen U Ahmed and Fakhruddin Ahmed, asking whether "the heartburn of Moeen U Ahmed, and Fakhruddin" was "acting up again".

Kobir urged the media, citizens and political leaders to unite in the national interest and work together to take the country forward.

"All people who take a strong stance for the country, patriotic people who are here, those who stand by the country, all of us including the media, the citizens, the political leaders, we will all unite and take this country forward, Insha'Allah," he said.

He also urged reporters to focus on substantive issues concerning the foreign ministry.