Noman Sabit: In apparent violation of the rules and diplomatic conduct set by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mexico, held a meeting with leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York.
According to reports, the meeting was arranged by Consul General Najmul Huda, who invited BNP activists by phone and text message, despite government protocols prohibiting political events at government facilities without formal authorization.
Ambassador Ansarey allegedly used personal influence to propose his visit to the New York consulate—without prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In an invitation letter issued by the consulate, attendees were informed of a courtesy visit by the ambassador on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM, expressing his interest in meeting members of the Bangladeshi community. Mentioned there:
Dear Esteemed Guest,
Assalamu Alaikum,
His Excellency Mr. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, the Honorable Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mexico, will be making a courtesy visit to the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York tomorrow (Friday, April 4, 2025) at 5:30 PM. During this time, His Excellency is interested in meeting with you at the Consulate.
In this regard, you are cordially invited to attend the gathering at the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York at 5:30 PM tomorrow.
With sincere regards,
Consulate General of Bangladesh, New York
(On behalf of His Excellency Mr. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey)
During the visit, it was reported that Ansarey personally contacted several BNP-aligned journalists and activists, encouraging them to attend. Most attendees at the meeting were reportedly affiliated with the BNP.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Bangladesh’s ambassador to Mexico holds no jurisdiction in the United States. According to diplomatic protocol, any visit by an ambassador to a consular office outside their designated country requires official permission and prior communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was allegedly bypassed in this instance.
Critics argue that Ansarey used the government office to conduct a partisan political gathering, despite the BNP holding no current state power. This has stirred debate within the Bangladeshi diaspora in New York.
Many expatriates remarked that had the event been a public community meeting, invitations would have been extended to people from all sectors and political affiliations—not exclusively to BNP members.
BNP leader Zillur Rahman Zillu stated that he visited the consulate to meet the ambassador and that community leaders known for opposing fascism were invited. He emphasized it was a roundtable discussion, not a formal BNP meeting.
Another BNP leader, Akhter Hossain Badal, echoed the sentiment, saying: ‘Political activities should not be held at government premises unless all political parties are invited to discuss national issues. We must work together to build Bangladesh’s economy and democracy, and we expect free and fair elections.’
BNP figure Maksudul H. Chowdhury added that many community members attended, not just BNP supporters, and there was no formal meeting—just informal conversation. He argued that discussing national matters with a Bangladeshi diplomat shouldn’t be seen as controversial.
BNP leader Motahar Hossain admitted attending the event and confirmed that many BNP members were present.
Community activist Nasir Khan Pol commented, ‘It’s illegal to hold a partisan meeting in a state office. The Consul General should be held accountable. This appears to be a deliberate politicization of a government space.’
Activist Al Amin Russell criticized the event, claiming the consulate resembled a party hangout rather than a government institution. He added that the behavior of BNP leaders lacked diplomatic courtesy and decorum, especially their physical closeness to the ambassador.
When contacted for comment, Consul General Najmul Huda declined to respond, texting back ‘No comments.’
Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey was also contacted via text. When asked why he held a political meeting at the New York consulate, he cryptically replied, ‘I let him die.’ When asked for clarification, he said he was busy and currently in Cambodia, Not in New York, Eventually ending the exchange with ‘Goodbye.’
It’s worth noting that the service rules for Bangladesh’s ambassadors are primarily guided by the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Foreign Affairs cadre regulations, covering recruitment, promotions, and conduct. Ambassador appointments are made by the President or a designated official.
Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who has no formal diplomatic background, was appointed as Ambassador to Mexico on January 27, 2025, under special consideration. Critics argue that he has violated the code of conduct by misusing his position and influence.
Despite being a former journalist, Ansarey refers to himself in his profile as a distinguished diplomat and public servant, which some view as self-promotional and misleading.
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BP/SM
