Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation to train imams in Rohingya camps

Diyanet Foundation of Turkey will soon begin training imams serving in the Rohingya refugee camps, in coordination with Islamic Foundation Bangladesh.

This initiative was discussed during a meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat between Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain and a visiting delegation from Diyanet Foundation.

Both sides reached a consensus to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize the collaboration.

Dr. Hossain praised the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkey and emphasized the importance Bangladesh places on its partnership with the Turkish government.

He called for expanded cooperation from Diyanet Foundation, not only in religious training but also in broader development efforts within the country.

Recep Şükrü Balkan, Deputy General Manager of Diyanet Foundation and head of the delegation, affirmed the foundation’s strong interest in contributing to Bangladesh’s humanitarian and religious development.

Noting Bangladesh’s significance as one of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nations, he said Diyanet Foundation is committed to supporting the Rohingya community through imam training and other initiatives.

In addition to religious education, the foundation plans to implement income-generating projects, provide healthcare services, improve sanitation and support environmental sustainability within the camps.

Balkan also expressed the foundation’s intention to expand humanitarian operations to other parts of Bangladesh and requested the government’s support to facilitate these efforts.

Dr. Hossain welcomed the proposals and urged Diyanet Foundation to proceed with the necessary formalities as per government regulations.

He assured full cooperation from Ministry of Religious Affairs and encouraged the swift finalization of the MoU between Diyanet Foundation and Islamic Foundation.

The meeting was also attended by Islamic Foundation Director General A. Salam Khan, Adviser’s Private Secretary Sadek Ahmed, South Asia-Pacific Coordinator of Diyanet Foundation and Religious Services Coordinator of Turkish Embassy in Dhaka, among other officials.