Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a prominent journalist known for his criticism of the former authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina, is set to return to Bangladesh this Thursday (12 September) after almost ten years of exile in the United States.
"I'm thrilled to return home after such a long time," Mushfiq told the media. "I look forward to reuniting with my loved ones, friends, and fellow journalists."
He added, "The country is now liberated from despotic rule, allowing democracy, freedom of expression, and other fundamental rights to be restored, thanks to the student-led mass uprising."
To celebrate his return, the pro-BNP Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists have organised a reception in his honour at the Jatiya Press Club.
Ansarey, currently based in Washington, DC, continues to work as the White House and UN correspondent for JustNewsBD. He also serves as the executive director of Right to Freedom and the executive editor of South Asia Perspectives.
His career, marked by outspoken criticism of human rights abuses and authoritarian rule in Bangladesh, led to his exile in January 2013. Before his exile, Mushfiq held key media roles in Bangladesh, including assistant press secretary to Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (2001-2006) and prominent positions at The Daily Ittefaq and UNB. He also hosted the popular TV show "Hello Excellency" on NTV.
