Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir took his oath in accordance with the Constitution, with no irregularity in the process, amid controversy over his alleged dual citizenship.
He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions on Tuesday.
On the same day, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman described Humaiun’s earlier comments on his citizenship as “casual” and “informal”, urging the media not to attach undue importance to them.
Asked about the government’s position on Humaiun’s citizenship status, Zahed said the state minister had spoken about the issue informally and that the matter should first be clarified by Humaiun himself.
“I think he was speaking informally. He was asked the question, so the best option is to ask him directly,” Zahed said.
He added that the government could examine the matter if further clarification was needed.
“If any clarification is necessary, the government can look into the issue. But I think it is best to ask the person concerned. His remarks should be viewed in their context,” he said.
Zahed further said Humaiun’s comments appeared to have been made casually and should not be taken too seriously.
On Monday, Humaiun, responding to a question about his citizenship, said, “I have citizenship. You say ‘netizen’! What do you mean by netizen? I have citizenship and I work.”
Referring to a media outlet, he added, “You say ‘netizen’! Which newspaper do you mean? Who is so bothered that they won’t let me work?”