Bangladesh Envoy to Mexico Accuses Former Foreign Adviser of Obstructing UN Bid

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Mexico, has brought a series of allegations against former foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain, claiming that the outgoing official created obstacles in his professional duties.

In a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page on Sunday, the envoy alleged that Touhid Hossain had stood in his way on multiple occasions — from his posting to Mexico to participation in United Nations sessions and even discouraging him from returning home ahead of elections.

Allegations Over UN Application

Ansarey wrote that he had recently come across a news item suggesting Touhid Hossain was seeking employment at the United Nations. While he said he could not verify the report and had no personal interest in it, he claimed that the former adviser had “thrown ashes” in his path from the very beginning of his diplomatic journey.

He further revealed that he had been encouraged by a foreign colleague at the UN to apply for the post of Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights after the tenure of Latvia’s Brands Kehris ended, leaving the position vacant.

According to Ansarey, he informed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus about his intention to apply and was advised to contact the foreign affairs adviser. He said Touhid Hossain initially gave him a green signal to proceed.

Such senior UN positions typically require formal endorsement from the candidate’s home country through an official note verbale. Ansarey said the United States had also expressed willingness to support him. However, he emphasized that he wanted to move forward with the backing of the Bangladesh government.

After submitting his application, Ansarey claimed he received a message from Touhid Hossain instructing him “not to proceed.” He replied that the application had already been sent. Since then, he alleged, the adviser had not answered his calls.

Lack of Government Support

The ambassador said there was no guarantee he would have been selected by the UN, but his disappointment stemmed from what he described as the absence of minimum support from his own government.

He also stated that he shared his concerns with newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who he said expressed surprise. However, Ansarey added that he did not seek direct intervention at the time to avoid putting the prime minister in an uncomfortable position.

According to Ansarey, when BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inquired about the matter, he was told that “Mushfiqul would not win, so support was not given.” Ansarey countered that there is no voting process for such UN roles; instead, member states nominate candidates, after which the UN shortlists and interviews applicants before making a decision.

Book in the Works

Concluding his post, Ansarey said he is writing a book and suggested that more details would emerge in due time. He expressed regret that he did not receive his country’s backing, while others, he claimed, are now seeking positions and influence under the newly elected government.

As of now, there has been no public response from Touhid Hossain regarding the allegations.