Turkey is advancing efforts to forge a multifaceted relationship with Bangladesh, expressing keen interest in enhancing cooperation across at least eight key sectors, including banking reforms and electoral system improvements.
In light of this, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation, comprising senior officials from the central bank, Election Commission, and the ministries of finance, commerce, foreign affairs, and planning, visited Turkey last week.
In a bid to further strengthen Dhaka-Ankara ties, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Relations, Lutfey Siddiqi will soon embark on a visit to Turkey.
During his trip, he is expected to engage in discussions with Turkish leaders on trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
According to diplomatic sources, Turkey’s top leadership has signalled strong intent to deepen relations with Bangladesh.
This follows a visit to Dhaka by Turkey’s Trade Minister in January, accompanied by a high-level delegation, and a prior visit by another Turkish delegation a few months earlier.
The Turkish ambassador in Dhaka is also maintaining regular engagement with the Chief Adviser’s office, reinforcing the momentum of bilateral ties.
The deteriorating state of Bangladesh’s banking sector, with several banks in precarious financial health, has emerged as a pressing concern.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently acknowledged the sector’s instability, admitting that despite rigorous efforts to restore governance, some banks may not survive.
Given Turkey’s experience in banking reforms, Dhaka is looking to leverage Ankara’s expertise, with plans for a Turkish delegation to visit Bangladesh to explore collaborative measures.
During the Bangladesh delegation’s visit to Turkey, extensive discussions were held on Ankara’s willingness to provide technical and institutional support for the upcoming national elections.
This includes collaboration on electoral laws, voter registration and voting systems, election observation mechanisms, and initiatives to enhance voter and political party participation.
Turkey has also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in developing world-class healthcare services.
This includes enhancing hospital care standards, improving emergency response mechanisms, and providing specialised training for ambulance and rescue teams.
Foreign Secretary (East) Md Nazrul Islam, a key member of the Bangladeshi delegation, told the press that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Turkey are set to strengthen further, particularly in trade, investment, and healthcare.
“Bangladesh currently exports approximately $850 million worth of garments to Turkey while importing around $450 million worth of machinery. However, there is significant potential for expanding trade, particularly in textiles, agricultural equipment, renewable energy, recycling technology, infrastructure development, and tourism,” he said.
Additionally, Turkey has expressed interest in collaborating on maritime and air cargo transportation, ICT, life sciences, and banking services.
With Ankara’s positive response, further negotiations are expected to determine the next steps in expanding economic and strategic partnerships.
Nazrul Islam also met with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Beris Kinci, where both sides held constructive discussions on boosting trade and investment.
Kinci reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government in all possible ways, further cementing the growing diplomatic and economic alliance between the two nations.
