Noman Sabit: A political firestorm has erupted among Bangladeshi expatriates in the U.S. and within diplomatic circles abroad following reports that a gathering at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York-purportedly a discussion session with Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) was actually a covert political meeting of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The uproar began after U.S.-based Bengali news outlet Bangla Press published a report claiming that the event, held on Friday, April 4, at the Consulate premises, was not an official program of the Consulate General. Despite appearing on the invitation as an event ‘on behalf of the Honorable Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey),’ the Consulate itself did not organize it, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official confirmed that the event was not a consular initiative, noting that the invitation explicitly stated it was being extended by the Consulate ‘on behalf of’ the ambassador—not as an official consular program. ‘Perhaps many did not understand that distinction,’ the official said.
Despite the high-profile nature of the visit and gathering, the Consulate has not issued any press release even five days after the event, which is unusual. Normally, press releases follow the very next day. No update about Ambassador Ansari’s visit has been posted on the Consulate’s official website either, reinforcing suspicions that the gathering was, in reality, a carefully orchestrated BNP political meeting. The invitation letter stated:
“Dear Guest, Assalamu Alaikum.
The Honorable Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mexico, Mr. Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansari), will make a goodwill visit to the Bangladesh Consulate General, New York, tomorrow (Friday, April 4, 2025) at 5:30 PM. The Ambassador wishes to meet with you during his visit. Therefore, you are cordially invited to the Bangladesh Consulate General, New York, at 5:30 PM.
Sincerely,
Bangladesh Consulate General, New York (on behalf of Honorable Ambassador Mr. Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey).
Sources claim that Consul General Md. Nazmul Huda himself enabled the event by sending the invitations—mostly to BNP supporters, a few lawyers dealing with accident-related cases, and journalists aligned with the BNP’s political symbol (the ‘paddy sheaf’). These invitations were reportedly sent via text message and phone calls by consular staff at his direction.
It has also been alleged that Ambassador Ansarey violated diplomatic protocol and the code of conduct by initiating the visit himself without obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His proposal to visit the Consulate and meet with expatriates was apparently self-directed and not officially sanctioned.
When contacted via email and text message for a statement regarding the lack of press release or website update concerning the ambassador’s visit, Consul General Nazmul Huda did not provide any response.
Diplomatic Controversy Deepens: Allegations Mount Over Unauthorized Political Meeting by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico at New York Consulate
Tensions continue to rise among Bangladeshi expatriates and diplomatic circles worldwide following reports that Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, allegedly organized a covert political meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York—without official approval or following proper diplomatic protocol.
According to diplomatic sources, neither the U.S. Embassy nor government offices in the United States fall under the jurisdiction of Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico. As per international diplomatic norms, ambassadors stationed in one country must seek official permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before visiting government institutions in another country. This process typically includes advance notice through formal letters to the relevant authorities.
However, sources claim that Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) bypassed all such regulations. Instead, he allegedly used his influence and authority to orchestrate a meeting at the New York Consulate—an official government facility—that served as a de facto BNP party meeting, despite the party currently holding no state power in Bangladesh.
This incident has sparked significant debate and concern among Bangladeshi expatriates in the U.S., especially in New York, and has become a hot topic among diplomats from various countries.
To investigate how such a politically charged gathering was allowed within a consulate facility, multiple attempts were made to contact Consul General Md. Nazmul Huda via phone and text. While he did not respond to phone calls, he replied via text with a brief message: “No comments.”
Ambassador Ansarey was also contacted via text message with the following question:
“You held a meeting with BNP leaders and activists on Friday night at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York, delivering remarks as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mexico. Why did you hold a political meeting with BNP activists inside the Consulate?”
His reply was cryptic: “I let him die.”
When asked for clarification, he responded: “I’m working now,” “Not in New York,” “I’m in Cambodia,” and ended the exchange with “Goodbye.”
According to the rules and regulations governing the conduct of ambassadors from Bangladesh, appointments, promotions, and codes of conduct fall under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Foreign Cadre. Ambassadors are appointed by the President or an authorized representative, and their actions are subject to strict diplomatic protocols.
Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey was appointed as Bangladesh’s envoy to Mexico on January 27, 2025, reportedly under “special consideration” and outside the typical foreign cadre system. Many now allege that he has breached diplomatic codes of conduct and misused his position for political purposes.
Critics have also pointed out that Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) is not a career diplomat but a former journalist. Despite this, his personal profiles refer to himself as a “renowned diplomat” and a “public servant,” claims many now see as exaggerated and misleading.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of diplomatic facilities for political purposes and has prompted calls for accountability from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government of Bangladesh.
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]
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