Dhaka, Ankara poised for closer strategic partnership: Hamit Ersoy

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy, has expressed strong optimism about the future of Bangladesh–Türkiye relations, saying that the new political chapter in Bangladesh could also become a new chapter in ties between Dhaka and Ankara.

In an interview with a group of selected Bangladeshi journalists, Prof. Ersoy said he expects the coming years to witness significantly closer cooperation between the two countries across political, economic, strategic and humanitarian fields.

“I sincerely hope that the coming years will see Dhaka and Ankara working even more closely, not only for the benefit of our two peoples, but also in support of peace, stability, development and a more representative international order,” he said.

A new political chapter

Prof. Ersoy described the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as an important opportunity to inject fresh momentum into an already strong bilateral relationship.

“I view the future of Bangladesh–Türkiye relations with considerable optimism. The formation of the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opens a new chapter for Bangladesh, and I believe it also presents a valuable opportunity to give fresh momentum to the already strong relations between Dhaka and Ankara,” he said.

At the same time, he emphasized that the relationship transcends changes in government.

“Our relationship is not dependent on a single government, political party or temporary development. Türkiye and Bangladesh enjoy a relationship based on deep-rooted friendship, strong people-to-people bonds, historical affinities and a broad sense of solidarity. Increasingly, this relationship has also acquired a strategic dimension.”

According to the ambassador, the challenge now is not to create a new relationship from scratch, but to build a more ambitious and comprehensive partnership on the strong foundations that already exist.

Hakan Fidan’s visit sends a strong signal

Prof. Ersoy identified the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Bangladesh on 5–6 June 2026 as a particularly encouraging early sign of the new phase in bilateral relations.

During the visit, Fidan held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart and was received by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The discussions covered political and economic cooperation, defence collaboration, regional affairs and the Rohingya issue.

“This high-level engagement so soon after the formation of the new government demonstrates the importance that both countries attach to the relationship,” he observed.

More high-level exchanges expected

The ambassador said he expects the coming period to be characterized by intensified political dialogue and additional high-level visits.

“In diplomacy, high-level visits are not merely ceremonial occasions. When carefully prepared, they provide political direction to the entire relationship, accelerate pending agreements and encourage ministries, business communities and other institutions to move forward.”

While noting that the timing of future visits is for the respective governments to announce, he said the current political momentum and the recent intensification of contacts create a very favourable environment for further exchanges between Dhaka and Ankara.

Toward a comprehensive partnership

Prof. Ersoy argued that the next stage of bilateral relations should be defined by greater institutionalisation and diversification.

“Türkiye and Bangladesh should not limit their partnership to excellent political relations and mutual goodwill. We should translate this goodwill into concrete and sustainable cooperation in trade, investment, defence industries, infrastructure, energy, health, education, technology, connectivity and cultural relations.”

Expanding economic cooperation

Economic cooperation, he said, deserves particular attention. The two countries together represent large populations, dynamic private sectors and complementary economic capabilities.

During the June 2026 visit, both sides highlighted the goal of increasing bilateral trade from approximately US$1.3 billion to US$2 billion. Prof. Ersoy believes that target should be viewed as only an intermediate milestone.

“The real objective should be to create a deeper economic partnership based not only on trade in goods, but also on joint investment, industrial cooperation, technology transfer and partnerships between Turkish and Bangladeshi companies.”

Defence and civilian cooperation

The ambassador noted that defence cooperation offers considerable potential, given Türkiye’s rapidly expanding defence industry and Bangladesh’s ongoing modernization efforts.

However, he stressed that the strategic relationship should remain broad-based.

“Defence cooperation can be an important pillar, but it should be accompanied by stronger cooperation in civilian industries, digital technologies, renewable energy, disaster management, agriculture, health and education.”

Bangladesh in Türkiye’s Asia vision

Placing the relationship in a wider geopolitical context, Prof. Ersoy described Bangladesh as a major South Asian country and an increasingly influential voice of the Global South.

He said Türkiye has pursued a multidimensional foreign policy and significantly expanded its engagement with Asia.

Referring to his 2025 book Türkiye–Asia Pacific at New Crossroads, he argued that the centre of gravity of international politics and the global economy has increasingly shifted toward Asia.

“Türkiye therefore needs deeper, more comprehensive and more institutionalised relationships across the wider Asian region. Bangladesh should occupy an important place in this vision.”

Multipolar world and strategic autonomy

Drawing on his academic background in international relations, Prof. Ersoy said the world is entering a more complex and increasingly multipolar era.

“Countries such as Türkiye and Bangladesh have strong reasons to diversify their international partnerships while preserving their strategic autonomy.”

He emphasized that stronger bilateral cooperation is not directed against any third country.

“On the contrary, a stronger Türkiye–Bangladesh partnership can contribute positively to regional stability, economic development and greater South–South cooperation.”

Rohingya solidarity

The Rohingya crisis remains an important dimension of the relationship, the ambassador said.

Türkiye has consistently supported Bangladesh in addressing the humanitarian burden created by the displacement of Rohingyas. During his June visit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan travelled to Cox’s Bazar and visited Turkish humanitarian facilities, including the Türkiye–Bangladesh humanitarian hospital.

“This is an area where our relationship goes beyond traditional diplomacy and reflects genuine humanitarian solidarity,” Prof. Ersoy said.

People-to-people ties

The ambassador repeatedly emphasized that lasting friendship ultimately depends on people rather than governments.

He called for greater exchanges among universities, academics, students, think tanks, journalists, business communities and cultural institutions.

“Türkiye and Bangladesh possess a reservoir of mutual goodwill that is perhaps still greater than the level of interaction between our societies. Transforming that goodwill into regular human and institutional contact should be one of our priorities.”

A relationship with long-term potential

Summing up his assessment, Prof. Ersoy said he is optimistic about Dhaka–Ankara relations under the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expects both more frequent high-level exchanges and a substantial deepening of bilateral cooperation.

“We should be ambitious. The objective should not simply be to maintain good relations. Our objective should be to transform a traditionally warm friendship into a comprehensive, multidimensional and long-term strategic partnership.”

He added that both countries possess the political will, economic potential and mutual trust necessary to achieve that goal.

“The new political chapter in Bangladesh can also become a new chapter in Bangladesh–Türkiye relations,” he said.