In a press release issued on Tuesday, the anti-corruption watchdog stated that targeting journalists and the media for asking questions in the public interest represents a classic “shoot the messenger” mentality. TIB warned that such behaviour poses a direct threat to a free press, independent journalism, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to information.

According to the press release, appointing a dual citizen as State Minister for Foreign Affairs under the technocrat quota violates the Constitution. Accepting such a post without transparently clarifying one’s legal standing also leaves the appointment open to question. Despite this, when media professionals asked specific questions in the course of their professional duties, the State Minister evaded a direct answer and instead launched counter-attacks.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, highlighted the relevant constitutional provisions, noting that Article 56(2) requires any non-parliamentarian appointed as a minister or state minister to meet the qualifications of an elected Member of Parliament. Conversely, Article 66(2)(c) explicitly disqualifies anyone who has acquired foreign citizenship or declared allegiance to a foreign state from being elected to Parliament. Furthermore, Article 66(2A) sets out clear conditions regarding the renunciation of foreign citizenship in cases of dual nationality.

“Appointing a State Minister for Foreign Affairs under the technocrat quota while dual citizenship remains intact directly conflicts with the Constitution,” Dr Iftekharuzzaman explained. “Because the State Minister has failed to disclose his status with complete transparency, his appointment remains fundamentally questioned.”

TIB noted that several reliable sources have published details regarding the State Minister’s foreign citizenship and his active political involvement in a foreign country. When journalists sought clarification, the State Minister avoided the substance of the question, asking instead “who is reporting this?” and “why are they so bothered?”

“Who raised the issue or authored the report is entirely beside the point,” Dr Iftekharuzzaman remarked. “The core issue is whether his foreign citizenship was active at the time he assumed office. As a minister, he bears a public duty to provide a direct, factual answer to such a clear constitutional query.”

The Executive Director added that following recent political shifts, the government pledged to uphold transparency, accountability, and freedom of speech. Consequently, the public expects direct, fact-based responses from high-ranking state officials when faced with matters of public interest.

TIB emphasised that the State Minister had an opportunity to set an example of accountability by presenting verifiable proof. Venting anger and hostility towards reporting outlets and media personnel is unbecoming of a state minister, as well as ethically questionable and deeply concerning.

The statement warned that such aggressive reactions from public officials place undue pressure on reporters and threaten independent journalism. This practice risks creating an environment where questioning those in power becomes dangerous, encouraging self-censorship among journalists and ultimately harming the public’s right to know.

TIB also cautioned that controversy surrounding a key diplomatic position carries international ramifications, raising the risk of embarrassing scenarios for Bangladesh on the global stage.

In light of these developments, TIB urged the government to immediately release verified information concerning the State Minister’s citizenship status and take appropriate measures regarding the constitutional validity of his appointment. The organisation also called for full public disclosure regarding any other ministers, state ministers, or equivalent officials whose citizenship status may be in question.