In a recent development, Bangladesh's interim government has appointed Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a US-based journalist and activist known for his polarising views, as ambassador to one of its missions abroad. Ansarey, who has been a vocal critic of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is perceived to hold an anti-India stance, returned to Bangladesh on September 12 after nearly a decade in exile. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed his appointment in a notification issued on Monday. His return to the spotlight raised eyebrows earlier this year when he commented on the arrest of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a press briefing with US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has been granted the status and privileges of a senior secretary under a three-year contract. As speculation mounts regarding his posting destination, sources indicate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon announce his assignment.

His appointment coincides with the interim government's decision to cancel the contractual positions of its ambassadors to the United States, Russia, and the UAE, with officials stating that replacements will be announced shortly.

Some observers interpret the choice of Ansarey by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government as a reward for his persistent criticism of the previous Awami League administration under Sheikh Hasina. Notably, Ansarey served as the assistant press secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006.

Currently, Ansarey holds the position of executive editor at South Asia Perspectives, a Washington-based foreign policy magazine. Additionally, he serves as the editor and White House correspondent for JustNewsBD, where he covers significant events related to the United Nations, the US State Department, and the Pentagon.