Play store
Bangladesh wants to deepen its relations with Türkiye and increase bilateral trade to US$2 billion and beyond through greater market access, product diversification 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 in Dhaka on Thursday evening, he described the bilateral relationship as a broad-based partnership built on historical solidarity and expanding cooperation.
The Turkish Embassy hosted the reception at a city hotel to mark the proclamation of the republic on October 29, 1923.
Asaduzzaman said bilateral trade had reached around $1.3 billion, but significant opportunities remained unexplored.
“We are prepared to raise bilateral trade to 2 billion US dollars and beyond through greater market access, product diversification, and stronger business-to-business partnerships,” he said.
He said stronger economic engagement would create jobs, promote technological innovation and contribute to the prosperity of both countries.
The minister said cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye covered political dialogue, trade, investment, defence, education, cultural exchanges and humanitarian assistance.
Referring to the meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, he said it reflected their shared commitment to deepening and diversifying bilateral cooperation.
Asaduzzaman expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its humanitarian assistance and continued support for Bangladesh over the Rohingya crisis, including international efforts to ensure justice and accountability.
Recalling the historical ties between the two nations, he mentioned national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem Kamal Pasha, which expressed admiration for Türkiye’s independence struggle.
He also sought Türkiye’s continued cooperation in strengthening the rule of law, justice and accountability in Bangladesh.
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen said his country was encouraging Turkish businesses to explore further trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh, where several Turkish companies already have significant investments.
He said direct passenger and cargo services between Dhaka and Istanbul were contributing to stronger bilateral ties.
Sen also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was expected to attend the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 11-12.
Highlighting recent high-level exchanges, the ambassador recalled Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Bangladesh on June 5-6 and Asaduzzaman’s recent visit to Türkiye to attend the International Justice Summit 2026.
He said the Joint Economic Commission would meet in Dhaka on January 21, 2027, providing an opportunity to review bilateral economic and commercial relations.
The reception also paid tribute to Türkiye’s founding leader, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. A Republic Day video message from Turkish President Erdoğan was scheduled to be presented at the event.
