Bangladesh seeks stronger Türkiye ties, targets $2bn trade

Bangladesh seeks to deepen relations with Türkiye and raise bilateral trade to US$2 billion and beyond through greater market access, diversified products and stronger business partnerships, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said.

Speaking as the chief guest at a reception marking Türkiye’s 103rd Republic Day here on Thursday evening, he described the relationship as a broad-based partnership rooted in historical solidarity and expanding cooperation.

The Turkish Embassy hosted the reception at a city hotel, bringing together diplomats and guests from different walks of life to commemorate the proclamation of the republic on 29 October 1923.

Asaduzzaman said bilateral trade had reached approximately $1.3 billion, but substantial opportunities remained untapped.

“We are prepared to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion and beyond through greater market access, product diversification, and stronger business-to-business partnerships,” he said.

Closer economic engagement would generate employment, encourage technological innovation and contribute to the prosperity of both peoples, he added.

The minister said Bangladesh-Türkiye cooperation now encompasses political dialogue, trade, investment, defence, education, cultural exchanges and humanitarian assistance.

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He highlighted the meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying it reflected their shared determination to deepen and diversify cooperation.

Asaduzzaman expressed Bangladesh’s gratitude for Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance and steadfast solidarity over the protracted Rohingya crisis, alongside its support for international efforts to ensure justice and accountability.

Recalling the historical bonds between the two peoples, he referred to national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem “Kamal Pasha” as an expression of admiration for Türkiye’s independence struggle.

The minister also sought Türkiye’s continued cooperation in strengthening the rule of law, justice and accountability in Bangladesh.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen said Türkiye was encouraging its business community to explore further trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh, where Turkish companies already have important investments.

Direct passenger and cargo services between Dhaka and Istanbul were also contributing significantly to bilateral relations, he added.

Sen said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was expected to attend the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, on 11-12 November.

The envoy emphasized that high-level exchanges had given fresh momentum to bilateral relations.

He recalled Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Bangladesh on 5-6  June this year and Asaduzzaman’s recent visit to Türkiye for the International Justice Summit 2026.

The ambassador said the Joint Economic Commission would meet in Dhaka on 21 January, 2027, providing an opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral economic and commercial relations.

The reception paid tribute to the republic’s founding leader, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. A Republic Day video message from President Erdoğan was also scheduled for presentation.