Staff Reporter :
Ambassador Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari has extended an invitation to journalists worldwide to visit Bangladesh, highlighting that while foreign media professionals were previously almost prohibited from entering the country for professional purposes, they now have unrestricted access.
Speaking at a reception for international journalists in Mexico on Friday, the ambassador underscored the significant shift in policy under Bangladesh’s interim government, according to a press release.
Ambassador Ansari pointed out that one of the interim government’s first actions upon taking office was lifting the unwritten ban on foreign journalists, enabling them to visit Bangladesh and witness the situation firsthand.
He also noted that Nobel laureate economist Dr Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, personally extended this invitation to the international media.
During the event, representatives from global media outlets congratulated Ambassador Ansari on his new role and inquired about Bangladesh’s overall situation, its elections, and its international position.
In response, the ambassador stated that the prolonged authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina had been overthrown by the people, particularly students, who led a historic movement.
He emphasised that this struggle for democracy came at a great cost, with thousands of young people, including children, losing their lives.
Citing a recent report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ambassador Ansari claimed that investigative teams had found evidence of Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in brutal killings.
He further stressed that victory had been achieved under student leadership, as political parties in Bangladesh had long fought against Hasina’s extended authoritarian rule, facing killings, enforced disappearances, and imprisonment in their pursuit of democracy and voting rights.
The ambassador reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to holding free and fair elections.
He stated that the chief advisor had pledged to reform the country’s damaged institutions and governance systems before proceeding with elections, which are expected to take place at the end of this year or early next year.
On the subject of Bangladesh-Mexico bilateral relations, Ambassador Ansari noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
He emphasised the importance of enhancing communication and trade relations and called for Mexico to establish an embassy in Bangladesh.
