Bangladesh Chief Adviser Yunus Thanks Turkey for Enduring Rohingya Support

Chief Adviser Yunus Expresses Deep Appreciation

Bangladeshi Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has extended his sincere appreciation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Türkiye's unwavering support to the Rohingya community residing in Bangladesh. This expression of gratitude occurred during a meeting in Dhaka on November 4, 2025, with a five-member Turkish parliamentary delegation. The delegation, led by Mehmet Akif Yilmaz, chairperson of the Türkiye-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, had previously visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar to observe Turkish aid operations firsthand.

During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, Chief Adviser Yunus specifically acknowledged President Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan for their steadfast commitment to addressing what he described as 'one of the most tragic humanitarian crises of our time.'

Turkey's Extensive Humanitarian Efforts for Rohingya

Turkey has been a consistent provider of humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Its aid efforts are channeled through various organizations, including:

• TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency)
• AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority)
• Turkish Red Crescent
• Turkiye Diyanet Foundation

These organizations have delivered substantial support, encompassing food distribution, medical services, and the establishment of essential facilities. Notably, a Turkish field hospital operates in Cox's Bazar, providing crucial healthcare to the refugee population. Turkey's bilateral financial contributions to the welfare of Rohingya Muslims in the Cox's Bazar camps have exceeded $60 million.

Context of the Rohingya Crisis and Bilateral Cooperation

Bangladesh currently hosts approximately 1.3 million Rohingya refugees who fled military operations in Myanmar, primarily since August 2017. Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized the ongoing plight of the Rohingya, noting their suffering due to their Muslim identity and the revocation of their citizenship rights by Myanmar authorities. He highlighted the challenges faced by children growing up in camps with limited access to education and opportunities, which could lead to frustration and instability.

Beyond humanitarian aid, the discussions between Bangladeshi and Turkish officials also focused on strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors. Both sides explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and humanitarian initiatives. Chief Adviser Yunus extended an invitation to Turkish entrepreneurs to consider investing in Bangladesh, envisioning the country as a potential manufacturing hub for exports to developed markets.

Reinforcing Strong Ties

The meeting underscored the deepening relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey, with Yunus praising Turkey's continued solidarity in humanitarian and development cooperation. This exchange reaffirms the commitment of both nations to address regional challenges and foster mutual growth.