Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the National Security Adviser of Bangladesh, has responded to recent allegations that he is a foreign national by asserting that he is fully entitled to all the rights of a Bangladeshi citizen and is prepared to exercise them in full.
His response came on Sunday following comments made by BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, who claimed that the national security adviser is not a Bangladeshi citizen.
Speaking to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Dr. Rahman said, “The burden of proof lies with the accuser, and if necessary, they must substantiate their claim in court. As a citizen of Bangladesh, I am ready to enjoy my full rights.”
The allegation was made a day earlier, on Saturday, at a rally titled “Youth Rights Assembly” held at Khulna Circuit House grounds. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was the chief guest at the event.
In his speech, directed at Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Salahuddin said, “You have appointed a foreign citizen as the National Security Adviser in your government. Do you lack common sense? How can you expect the Bangladesh Army to report security matters to a foreign national? This adviser is trying to turn Bangladesh into a battlefield in the name of a humanitarian corridor for the Rohingya issue. You have not consulted the people of Bangladesh or any political party. Yet, this adviser arrogantly claims that it doesn’t matter.”
Salahuddin further demanded the removal of the adviser, stating, “Either he should resign on his own, or you must remove him. No foreign citizen should be entrusted with any national security responsibility of this country. This individual is conspiring to destabilize Bangladesh, and we will not allow that to happen.”
