Bangladesh, Aug. 24 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has declined to directly answer whether he gave up his alleged British citizenship before taking office, as required by Bangladesh's Constitution.

Speaking at the foreign ministry on Monday, the BNP leader, who joined the cabinet as a technocrat, said he became a minister as a Bangladeshi and did not expect anyone to question his identity.

Asked about reports that he holds British citizenship, Kobir replied, "Which newspaper? Why is he so bothered? I mean, leaving aside all other work..."

"I am Bangladeshi. I am here as a Bangladeshi minister. I do not think anyone will question my Bangladeshi identity," he said.

Kobir was sworn in on Friday after serving as the ...