Published: 12:18 AM, 25 August 2026
Humayun Kabir dismisses row over British citizenship
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir addressed journalists at the foreign ministry in Dhaka. Humayun Kabir has brushed aside online controversy regarding his dual citizenship, insisting his allegiance to the nation is beyond question.
Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on Monday during his first official day in office, Kabir mounted a fiery defense of his appointment following social media scrutiny and press reports over his British passport. "I am Bangladeshi," Kabir told reporters. "I don't think there is anyone here who would question my patriotism or my standing. An opportunist wouldn't come back here to work for Bangladesh."
Asked about online commentators questioning whether holding dual nationality poses a legal or ethical barrier to serving in cabinet, the minister turned the focus back on his critics. "I am dealing with real citizens, and you are talking about 'netizens'," Kabir said. "Which newspaper is running this? Who is burning with so much heartburn before the work has even begun? Why the heartburn? Is their 2008 trauma flaring up again? Are they having nightmares about Moeen U Ahmed and Fakhruddin Ahmed all over again?"
The reference invoked the military-backed emergency caretaker government of 2007-2008, led by then army chief General Moeen U Ahmed and former World Bank economist Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed. Striking a nationalist tone, Humayun Kabir added: "When patriotic people take a strong stance for the country, we have the media, the public and political leaders standing together. Insha'Allah, we will drive this country forward."
>> Bernard Priyam, AA
