Dhaka, Sep 08 (V7N) - Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a prominent journalist known for his outspoken criticism of Sheikh Hasina's former authoritarian regime, is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from the US on Thursday, September 12, after nearly ten years in exile.
 
In an interview with Voice7 News, Mushfiq, celebrated for his fearless journalism and strong advocacy for press freedom, expressed his enthusiasm about his return. "I am overjoyed to be coming back home after such a lengthy period. I am eager to reunite with my family, friends, and fellow journalists," he said.
 
Mushfiq discussed his role as an international critic of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, noting, "Finally, the country has been freed from oppressive rule, which has allowed for the revival of democracy, freedom of expression, and other fundamental rights, thanks to the student-led mass uprising."
 
A representative from the pro-BNP faction of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists announced that a reception will be held in Mushfiq's honor at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday evening to celebrate his return.
 
Currently residing in Washington, D.C., Ansarey continues his role 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, Ansarey has consistently reported on alleged human rights violations, electoral fraud, and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.
 
Mushfiq’s critical stance on these issues led to his exile in January 2013.
 
Before his exile, he served as Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 and held significant roles with various Bangladeshi media outlets, including The Daily Ittefaq and UNB. He also served as Chief Editor at JustNewsBD, anchored a program on State Television (BTV), and hosted the well-known TV show "Hello Excellency" on NTV, where he interviewed numerous ambassadors and foreign dignitaries.
 
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