Debate over the practical application of Bangladesh’s dual citizenship rules has intensified after Humayun Kabir was sworn in as state minister for foreign affairs in a cabinet reshuffle last Friday. The report says questions arose because he had been a British citizen, while differences between the eligibility and responsibilities of advisers and ministers have renewed uncertainty over whether dual nationals can hold senior state posts.

Article 66(2)(c) of the constitution says a person who acquires foreign citizenship or declares allegiance to a foreign state is disqualified from becoming or being elected a member of parliament. However, the 15th constitutional amendment added an interpretation that a person regarded as a Bangladeshi citizen under law may contest elections, creating questions about dual citizens who also retain Bangladeshi citizenship.

The issue has repeatedly surfaced during parliamentary elections, with returning officers applying differing standards to candidates seeking to renounce foreign citizenship. Some accepted nomination papers based on evidence that renunciation applications had been submitted, while others required formal approval from the relevant foreign authority. Governance analysts cited in the report call for clearer rules and equal enforcement across all cases.