BJIM condemns Humayun Kabir’s remarks over media’s 'dual citizenship' report

Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) on Monday condemned what it called an "unprofessional and confrontational" response by Junior Foreign Minister Humayun Kabir to journalists questioning his citizenship status and eligibility to serve in the cabinet.

The journalists' group said Kabir, who also serves as an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, had failed to substantively address questions over whether he formally relinquished his British citizenship before joining the government.

The issue was raised in a recent Bangladeshi news report, which questioned whether Kabir had renounced his British citizenship before entering the cabinet, as required for constitutional eligibility.

Kabir has a history in British local politics, having served as a Labour councillor for Bensham Manor and as mayor of Croydon from 2019 to 2020.

When journalists questioned him about the report at a press briefing, Kabir responded on camera: "Which newspaper, exactly? Who is so bothered by this that they won't let [me] do the work, huh? So why are they so bothered? Are they getting worked up over 2008 again? Are they getting that Moinuddin-Fakhruddin-era itch again? Or what?"

BJIM said the response "falls well below the standard of professionalism expected from a member of the cabinet."

"Instead of answering a straightforward question concerning his constitutional eligibility for public office, the minister chose to ridicule the press, insinuate political motives and invoke a period associated with an undemocratic political environment," the group said in a statement.

BJIM said it was particularly concerned that Kabir did not provide a substantive answer to the citizenship question.

It warned that sarcastic or confrontational responses from senior government officials could discourage journalists from scrutinising public officeholders.

"Such conduct by a cabinet member and adviser to the PM is not merely discourteous," BJIM said. "It undermines the fundamental role of a free press and risks creating a chilling effect that can foster self-censorship and discourage journalists from asking legitimate questions of government officials."

The group said such an environment had frequently been observed during the previous Awami League-led government.

BJIM called on Kabir to withdraw his remarks and publicly clarify his citizenship status and eligibility to serve in the cabinet.

"Government officials must recognise that journalists are not adversaries to be taunted or intimidated; they are performing a public-interest function by asking questions on behalf of citizens," it said.

The group also urged the government to ensure journalists can work independently and without fear while holding public officials accountable.