‘Are you a UK citizen or not, say yes or no’ – Hasnat to Humayun Kabir

Newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has asked National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and MP Hasnat Abdullah to clarify whether he has renounced his UK citizenship. If he has renounced his citizenship, he has also demanded that the proof be revealed.

Hasnat Abdullah said this in his Facebook post on Monday (August 25).

Criticizing Humayun Kabir’s statement in response to a question from journalists about his citizenship, Hasnat said that the answer to the question should have been a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’. But instead of answering directly, he made an offensive comment to the journalists, Hasnat alleged.

Stating that such behavior is not expected from a Minister of State, Hasnat said that diplomats usually answer questions with humility and politeness. Even if they avoid answering a question directly, it is done diplomatically. But he alleged that Humayun Kabir attacked the media by not answering the citizenship question.

Hasnat said that the constitution, laws and regulations are equal for everyone. No one can become a member of parliament or minister while holding foreign citizenship. Noting that an NCP leader could not participate in the elections due to his foreign citizenship, he said that in that case they have accepted the legal provisions.

Hasnat also alleged that some BNP candidates had concealed their foreign citizenship information during the elections. He claimed that Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) had mentioned three candidates, but he believes the number is higher.

Regarding Humayun Kabir, Hasnat said that he is not his 'enemy'. He was an aide to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in the UK for many years. Therefore, he also raised the question of whether the Prime Minister gave Humayun Kabir the responsibility knowingly and knowingly.

Stating that it is mandatory for ministers and the cabinet to be accountable in a democratic system, Hasnat said that they are not demanding any punishment against Humayun Kabir. He just wants to know whether he has renounced his UK citizenship or not and if so, what is the proof of it.

According to Hasnat, if Humayun Kabir does not give a clear answer on this issue, his citizenship will remain in question. At the same time, he also commented on his behavior with journalists as arrogance of power.

Referring to former foreign ministers Hasan Mahmud and Abdul Momen, Hasnat alleged that they became ministers by hiding their Belgian and US citizenships respectively. He also claimed that they left for their respective countries after August 5.

Stating that he does not want to see incidents of concealment and dishonesty like the previous government, Hasnat said that it is important to ensure that the BNP government does not become like the Awami League government.

Hasnat also mentioned Humayun Kabir's comments as a matter of concern for media freedom. According to him, mocking journalists without answering questions and giving political hints about their intentions cannot be professional behavior for a minister.

Finally, Hasnat urged Humayun Kabir to not just express regret but to give a clear answer about his citizenship. In her words, "Say yes or no."