BJIM condemns remarks by Kobir over citizenship question

The Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) on Monday condemned what it described as confrontational and unprofessional remarks by newly appointed Junior Foreign Minister and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir after he was questioned about his citizenship status.

The statement was released on the BJIM facebook page, and followed a report by a Bangladeshi news outlet questioning whether Kobir had formally relinquished his British citizenship before joining the cabinet, as required under Bangladesh’s Constitution.

The question has drawn attention to Kobir’s previous involvement in British public life. He served as a Labour councillor for Bensham Manor and was mayor of Croydon from 2019 to 2020.

Asked about his constitutional eligibility by journalists at a press briefing, Kobir did not directly answer the question, according to BJIM. Instead, he asked which newspaper was raising the issue and responded by asking whether journalists were “getting worked up over 2008 again” or experiencing a “Moinuddin-Fakhruddin-era itch”.

BJIM said the response fell below the professional standards expected of a cabinet member, arguing that Kobir had avoided a legitimate question by ridiculing journalists, suggesting political motives and referring to a past political era.

The organisation said such language risked intimidating journalists and creating a “chilling effect” that could encourage self-censorship.

BJIM said similar pressures on the media had frequently been observed under the previous Awami League-led government and warned that public officials should not use confrontational language to discourage legitimate scrutiny.

“Journalists are not adversaries to be taunted,” BJIM said, stressing that the press has a public-interest role in holding officials accountable and keeping citizens informed.

BJIM called on Kobir to formally withdraw his remarks and provide a clear response on his current citizenship status and constitutional eligibility.

It also called on the government to ensure that journalists can work independently and report honestly without fear of intimidation.