‘Bangladesh and Turkey have common understanding on major world issues and the future of the friendship is bright’
 Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan
Turkish Ambassador Devrim Öztürk COURTESY
In an exclusive interview with  Dhaka Tribune’s Humayun Kabir Bhuiyanthe outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Devrim Öztürk speaks about different aspects of bilateral issues between Dhaka and Ankara as well as cooperation between the two countries in the international arena
How do you describe the current bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey? How could it be further enhanced?
Cultural, religious and historical ties between Turkey and Bangladesh constitute a firm basis for further deepening our bilateral relations. The enduring affection between our peoples is rooted in our shared values.
We are witnessing many high-level visits between two countries and our strong partnership on international arena can be observed in the UN and the OIC. We have a common understanding on major issues of the world and future is bright for Turkey-Bangladesh friendship.
With its young population and booming economy, Bangladesh is a key actor in its region in every aspect. We welcome the recent steady economic growth and development trend in this country to make us exceedingly happy. Â Â
Especially, after the breakout of the Rohingya crisis, we witnessed a new era of bilateral relations between Turkey and Bangladesh. In September 2017, First Lady Emine ErdoÄŸan was the first international personality to visit the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, only few days after the crisis.
Do you think the international community is doing enough to solve the Rohingya crisis? What do you think the solution is to this protracted crisis?
Unfortunately, the Rohinga community has been trapped in a vicious cycle of violence and forced displacement for decades. Their plight has always been high on Turkey’s agenda.
A lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis is a priority, both for us and the international community. And clearly, this is only possible with safe and dignified return of Rohingya to Myanmar. There is no other solution to this tragedy. Over two years have passed, but the world is yet to see any concrete steps from Myanmar.
The international community should take immediate measures with a view of preventing an oncoming humanitarian catastrophe and alleviating the burden on Bangladesh.
The accountability issue is also on our agenda. For the way forward, accountability remains crucial. We are closely following Gambia’s case against Myanmar on ICJ.
What are the new areas of cooperation that will benefit both countries?
It is our sincere desire to develop and deepen our relations with Bangladesh in all fields to the mutual benefit of our peoples.
There are existing and potential opportunities in the field of defence industries, together with military cooperation, which has always constituted an indispensable field of our bilateral relations.
In regard to global security, we have a mutual desire to develop our cooperation for combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Turkey’s success as a country of health tourism is also worth mentioning. We invite fellow Bangladeshis to benefit from our experience in the health sector.
We admire the emergence of Bangladesh as a tourist destination as Dhaka was chosen as OIC City of Tourism in 2019. We encourage our citizens to see historic sites and the beautiful coastline of Bangladesh.
Are you satisfied with present trade volume between Dhaka and Ankara? How can it be increased?Â
Total trade volume has been nearly a billion dollars between Bangladesh and Turkey for the last couple years. This considerable amount cannot be neglected but it is not satisfactory considering the potential of trade between the two countries. Trade volume can be increased significantly with proper initiatives from both sides.
Is Turkish investment in Bangladesh satisfactory? What more can Bangladesh do to attract Turkish investment?Â
Bangladesh has been showing a significant economic growth for the past ten years. This growth has started to create interest amongst Turkish investors. Bangladesh is having a positive inbound FDI trend overall and multiple Turkish firms are also exploring various investment opportunities in the country.
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