National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday firmly asserted his exclusive Bangladeshi citizenship during a press briefing at Dhaka’s Foreign Service Academy, dismissing speculation about foreign nationality due to his prior US residence.
“Before joining this role, I lived in America with my family but never held a US passport or any foreign citizenship,” he clarified. He cautioned critics against reckless allegations, warning, “If you throw a stone at me, it might accidentally strike someone else,” in an apparent reference to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Visibly emotional, the adviser challenged detractors: “Don’t brand me falsely. If you have evidence, present it in court.”
He emphasised his constitutional rights as a citizen, stating, “It’s regrettable when basic citizenship rights are questioned.”
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were present at the briefing.
In response to recent allegations by BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed claiming that he, the security adviser, was a foreign citizen, Khalilur Rahman said that the burden of proof of the allegation rests on the individual who has made it and, if necessary, it would have to be proven before a court of law.
Ahmed had demanded the security adviser’s removal, alleging: “How can our army report to a foreign national? He’s exploiting the Rohingya corridor issue to destabilise Bangladesh.”