United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi journalist and human rights advocate Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has been appointed as the Honorary Senior Fellow at the Washington-based South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN), the organisation said on Thursday. Operating under The Millennium Project, SAFN conducts research and convenes dialogues on South Asia’s future challenges, geopolitics and public policy. Announcing the appointment, SAFN highlighted the value of Ansarey’s experience in public service, journalism and diplomacy. It noted that his expertise will enrich the organisation’s discussions and strengthen its engagement with diverse stakeholders in Washington. Researchers and wider audiences in Bangladesh will also benefit from his insights and analysis, it said. In his new role, Ansarey will contribute to policy dialogues and research. He will also help expand SAFN’s outreach and engagement in Washington while supporting the network’s research and other activities in Bangladesh. With more than two decades of experience in public service, international affairs and the media, Ansarey currently serves as an ambassador with the rank of senior secretary, attached to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He previously served as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador and Honduras. Before entering diplomatic service, Ansarey served as co-founder and executive director of the Washington-based human rights organisation Right to Freedom and executive editor of South Asia Perspectives. He also worked as a White House and United Nations correspondent, gaining extensive experience covering US policymaking and engaging with policy circles in Washington. Meanwhile, SAFN’s Bangladesh chapter is led by Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her country's desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen the friendship with Bangladesh. Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) presented his letter of credence to the President of Mexico in a formal ceremony at the National Palace in Mexico City on Wednesday. During the ceremony, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to President Sheinbaum. He also extended a cordial invitation for the Mexican President to visit Bangladesh. Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal reaffirmed his strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico during his tenure. He highlighted the significance of the upcoming 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025, emphasising that this milestone presents a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Anyone can criticise the interim govt now, and it's a success: Foreign Adviser The Ambassador also requested President Sheinbaum to accelerate the process of opening a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka, underscoring its importance in fostering closer diplomatic and economic ties. President Sheinbaum warmly welcomed the Ambassador and assured him of the Mexican government's support in carrying out his diplomatic duties. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the historic National Palace, the Presidential office and official residence of the President of Mexico.