Dhaka, Sep 13 (V7N) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed the critical importance of unity to secure the lasting success of the recent student-led movement. Speaking at a reception at the Jatiya Press Club in honour of prominent journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, Fakhrul stated, "The victory achieved through the student revolution will only be preserved if we maintain unity."
 
Addressing a packed audience, Fakhrul warned of a deliberate effort to fracture the solidarity among political parties and the public. "There is a well-planned attempt to destroy this unity, and we must resist it," he urged.
 
The reception, jointly organized by the Jatiya Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, and the Journalists' Cooperative Society Limited, marked Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari's return from a decade-long exile in the USA.
 
Fakhrul took the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, accusing it of using repressive measures to silence political opposition. He remarked, "Many have faced brutal repression and torture under this autocratic rule. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari is one such victim."
 
Describing Mushfiq as a champion of democracy, Fakhrul said, "Mushfiq will forever remain a hero to us, to the people of this country, and to all who long for democracy. At a time when we couldn’t speak out, he became the voice for Bangladesh's democracy in America and Europe. We need more sons like him in every household of Bangladesh."
 
Fakhrul emphasized that Mushfiq, along with many others, was forced into exile due to the oppressive nature of the Hasina administration. “While they fought from abroad, we resisted the fascist regime from within the country, ultimately securing a victory through an unprecedented mass uprising.”
 
The BNP leader called for continued efforts both domestically and internationally to sustain the gains of the student movement and capitalize on the potential it has unlocked.
 
During the event, Mushfiq was greeted with floral tributes from various leaders of journalistic and professional organizations, including the National Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, and Dhaka Reporters' Unity. Hundreds of journalists, rights activists, and members of civil society attended the reception, demonstrating widespread support for the journalist.
 
Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, an outspoken advocate for press freedom and known for his fearless journalism, returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after living in exile in Washington, D.C.
 
Currently serving as the White House and United Nations correspondent for JustNewsBD, Ansari also holds positions as the Executive Director of the human rights organization Right to Freedom and Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives, a foreign policy magazine. Through his investigative work, Ansari has consistently exposed alleged human rights violations, electoral fraud, and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.
 
Forced into exile in January 2013 due to his outspoken journalism, Mushfiq previously worked as Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006. He has held prominent roles in several Bangladeshi media outlets, including The Daily Ittefaq and UNB.
 
In addition to his editorial roles, Mushfiq anchored several TV programs, including a show on BTV and the popular Hello Excellency on NTV, which featured interviews with ambassadors and foreign dignitaries.
 
His return marks a significant moment for those advocating for press freedom and democratic rights in Bangladesh.

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