Back in the country after more than ten years, journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who was an outspoken critic of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian regime from abroad, was deeply moved during a warm reception held in his honour at the Jatiya Press Club on Friday.
The event saw an outpouring of affection from a diverse group of attendees, including ordinary citizens, political leaders, journalists, human rights activists, civil society members, and representatives from various other professional organizations.
As Mushfiq returned to Bangladesh after nearly a decade-long exile, the reception was marked by heartfelt floral tributes and emotional embraces from well-wishers.
Overwhelmed by the love of the people, Mushfiq expressed his deep gratitude and acknowledged the unwavering courage of those who protested against the Sheikh Hasina government's enforced disappearances, murders, and torture while remaining in the country.
“These individuals who fought against the fascist Hasina and her repression, killings, and enforced disappearances, staying in the country, are the true Bir Shreshtho (the highest national heroes),” he said.
The Jatiya Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, and the Journalists' Cooperative Society Limited arranged the reception at the Jatiya Press Club in honor of Mushfiq, marking his return home from the USA after a decade-long exile.
Mushfiq reflected on the ongoing challenges and urged vigilance to ensure that the specter of autocracy does not return, cautioning that conspiracies may still be brewing from a neighboring country.
He said people were kept in a state of fear for over the last 16 years. “That fear has been dispelled at the cost of students' blood.”
Mushfiq expressed gratitude to the families who lost their children in the mass upheaval. “They have made the greatest sacrifices, and I am deeply grateful to them.”
However, he said it is important to remember that not everything has been achieved yet since Sheikh Hasina’s accomplices are still holding positions of power.
“That’s why she can still say confidently that she will come back to the country quickly. We must remain vigilant to ensure that the ghosts of fascism cannot resurface and do not return to leadership,” he said.
Speaking at the program, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized the importance of maintaining unity to ensure the success of the student-led movement’s victory.
Fakhrul criticized the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina for resorting to coercive policies to suppress her political opponents and dissent.
“Many people were subjected to widespread repression and torture. Mushfiqur Fazal Ansarey is one of them,” he said.
Describing Mushfiq as the true hero of democracy, the BNP leader said, "Mushfiq will remain a hero to us, to the people of this country, and to those who yearn for democracy. When we were unable to speak, Mushfiq took on the responsibility of being the spokesperson for Bangladesh's democracy in America and Europe. Such sons need to be born in every home in Bangladesh."
Fakhrul said Mushfiq and many others could not stay in the country due to the fascist oppression and brutality of Hasina. “They fought from abroad, while we fought against fascism from within the country and achieved victory through the unprecedented mass uprising.”
Fakhrul called for continued struggle both inside and outside the country to maintain and build on the gains of the student movement and to seize the potential that has emerged.
During the reception, Mushfiq Fazal was welcomed with bouquets of flowers by the leaders of various journalist and professional bodies, including the National Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, and the Dhaka Reporters' Unity.
Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Kamrul Ahsan, former vice-chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University Abdul Latif Masum, human rights activist Noor Khan Liton, deputy attorney general Advocate Rezaul Karim Reza, Government Officer Welfare Association leader Neyamat Ullah, Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Tariq Rahman, eminent poet Uddin Stalin, journalist leaders Kamal Uddin Sabuj, Abdul Hai Sikdar, Ella hi Newaz Khan Saju, Elias Khan, Quader Gani Chowdhury, Shahidul Islam, Khurshid Alam, Mursalin Nomani, Jahangir Alam, among others, were present at the event.
Several hundred people from different walks of life, including journalists, rights activists, and civil society members, took part in the reception.
Mushfiq, a fervent advocate of press freedom, returned to Bangladesh from the US on Thursday.
Currently based in Washington, D.C., Ansari continues his work as the White House and United Nations correspondent for JustNewsBD. He also serves as the Executive Director of the human rights organization Right to Freedom and the Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives, a foreign policy magazine. Through his work, Ansari has consistently highlighted alleged human rights abuses, election fraud, and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.
Mushfiq’s critical journalism led to his exile in January 2013.
Previously, he served as Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 and held various positions at media outlets in Bangladesh, including The Daily Ittefaq and UNB.
He also served as Chief Editor at JustNewsBD and anchored a program on State Television, BTV, as well as hosted the popular TV show “Hello Excellency” on NTV, featuring numerous ambassadors and foreign dignitaries.