Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday affirmed that the appointment of Humaiun Kobir as the state minister for foreign affairs was carried out in accordance with the Constitution. However, he did not address whether Kobir had relinquished his British citizenship.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister stated, “The first thing is that the law is there as it is. Secondly, what this government has done has been done in accordance with the Constitution. There has been no deviation from the Constitution.” These remarks were made after an event at the Ministry of Social Welfare in the capital, underscoring the constitutional adherence in Kobir’s appointment.
Reports have surfaced indicating that Humaiun Kobir holds foreign citizenship, yet he assumed office as a state minister on August 21. Asaduzzaman highlighted that the government’s actions were constitutional, referencing a “deeming clause” related to the oath-taking process.
The minister’s comments came during a ceremony for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on inter-institutional cooperation. This MoU aims to provide legal assistance and social protection, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable communities. It was signed by the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Women Affairs.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment, Asaduzzaman assured that the state would support victims unable to afford legal representation. The initiative seeks to ensure legal protection for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, affirming that access to legal assistance is both a human and fundamental right.
He further reiterated the government’s dedication to reaching marginalized communities through the legal aid programme. The state aims to bear the costs of legal representation for victims who cannot afford it, striving to uphold the rule of law and human rights while working to eliminate politically motivated false cases, enforced disappearances, and crossfire incidents.