'I am Bangladeshi': Humaiun Kobir rejects questions over British citizenship

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir dismissed questions over his reported British citizenship, saying there should be no doubt about his allegiance to Bangladesh.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry yesterday, on his first working day as state minister, Kobir was asked about social media discussions over his 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 nationality and my stand," Kobir said while speaking to reporters at the foreign affairs ministry yesterday – his first working day as state minister.

Responding to questions about the social media reports, Kobir said, "I come with citizenship, and you talk about netizens! I mean, which netizens?"

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.