Bangladesh, Türkiye pledge stronger ties in trade, investment and Rohingya aid

Bangladesh and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and humanitarian initiatives—particularly in support of the Rohingya community—as a Turkish parliamentary delegation met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Monday.

The five-member delegation, led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz, Member of the Turkish Parliament and Chairperson of the Türkiye-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, called on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding bilateral ties and boosting economic engagement.

Yilmaz shared information about the Turkish parliamentary delegation’s visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday (November 2) and humanitarian activities of Turkish institutions and NGO’s, including Turkish Field Hospital.

The Chief Adviser thanked Türkiye for its steadfast support for the Rohingya community and invited Turkish entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh, underscoring the country’s potential to become a manufacturing hub for exports to developed markets.

“Since assuming this responsibility, I have focused on further deepening our close relationship with Türkiye,” said Professor Muhammad Yunus.

He reiterated that the world must not forget the Rohingya people and the injustices they have endured for decades.

“The plight of the Rohingya community remains one of the most tragic humanitarian crises of our time. These people are suffering simply because they are Muslims, and their citizenship has been stripped away,” the Chief Adviser said.

“After eight years in camps, their children are growing up with limited access to education or opportunities for the future — a situation that could lead to frustration and instability,” he added.

Professor Yunus expressed his deep appreciation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the First Lady for their continued support and solidarity with Bangladesh, particularly in humanitarian and development cooperation.

“Bangladesh stands ready to work hand in hand with Türkiye to unlock new opportunities for our people and our shared future,” the Chief Adviser said.