A Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Mexican Parliament with the participation of Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey and officials from the Embassy of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Mushfiqul was welcomed in the Parliament during a plenary session, where acting president of the Parliament Deputy Kenia López Rabadán, announced to lawmakers the establishment of the new Friendship Group.
Earlier, the delegation led by Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal observed a live legislative voting session in the Parliament.
Ambassador Adli Qasem Alkhaledi of Jordan and Ambassador Robert Ly of Côte d’Ivoire, dean of the Diplomatic Corps, also joined, said the Embassy of Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Deputy Francisco Javier Estrada Domínguez, president of the newly formed Group, opened the session, stressing that parliamentary diplomacy serves as a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
He stressed Bangladesh’s economic trajectory and its key role in the global textile sector.
Mushfiqul highlighted Bangladesh’s current political transition and the country’s path toward restoring democratic governance.
“Bangladesh is preparing to hold national elections early next year under an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. His (Prof Yunus) moral authority and lifelong dedication to human dignity have restored public trust at a critical moment,” he said.
Addressing the democratic struggle that reshaped Bangladesh in 2024, the ambassador said: “In August last year, our people—especially young students made extraordinary sacrifices to reclaim their democratic rights. Thousands gave their lives. Their courage has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”
Ambassador Mushfiqul also acknowledged the historic contributions of Bangladesh’s key political leaders.
He noted: “The country’s first woman Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia restored the parliamentary form of government in 1991 and strengthened democratic institutions. Late President Ziaur Rahman declared our independence in 1971 and later introduced multiparty democracy. Their vision continues to guide our political identity”.
The ambassador added that Mexico’s robust parliamentary tradition offers valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it rebuilds democratic institutions.
In subsequent interventions, several legislators articulated their support for enhanced bilateral relations.
Deputy Irma Yordana Garay Loredo, vice president of the Friendship Group, along with Deputy Pedro Vázquez González, chairman of the Mexican Foreign Affairs Committee and Deputy Jesús Valdés Peña, expressed their commitment to expanding political, economic, environmental, and investment cooperation with Bangladesh.
In a video message, Senator Emanuel Reyes Carmona congratulated both sides, emphasising that the formalization of the Friendship Group comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The ambassadors of Jordan and Côte d’Ivoire also conveyed the messages of support.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the foundational document establishing the Group.
Ambassador Mushfiqul also signed the Parliament´s visitors' book, followed by an exchange of commemorative gifts and an official photograph.
