Bangladesh, Turkiye to Form Defence, Political Committees Amid Indian Concerns

Bangladesh and Turkiye have agreed to establish joint ministerial-level committees on defence and foreign affairs , a move that deepens their growing strategic partnership and is likely to draw attention in India, which closely monitors security developments in its neighbourhood.

The decision was announced after talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan , who concluded a two-day visit to Dhaka. Officials said the new mechanism would strengthen political, economic and security cooperation and help institutionalise engagement between the two countries.

The agreement comes as Turkiye expands its footprint in Bangladesh's defence sector through military cooperation, defence-industry engagement and discussions on joint production. Analysts say the strengthening relationship is being watched closely in New Delhi given Bangladesh's strategic location on India's eastern flank, though neither Dhaka nor Ankara has suggested that their cooperation is directed against any third country.

Bangladesh and Turkiye also agreed to hold annual Foreign Office Consultations and a yearly 2+2 dialogue involving foreign and defence ministers , creating a structured framework for regular strategic engagement. Fidan described the visit as the " first step " towards elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Rahman.

The leaders discussed the Rohingya crisis , climate change, trade and investment, regional security and joint production and cooperation . Turkiye reaffirmed its support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and pledged to continue advocating for the issue internationally.

During the visit, the two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural heritage protection , underscoring efforts to broaden cooperation beyond diplomacy and defence. Turkish officials highlighted opportunities for increased collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and investment.

Both sides are exploring ways to increase bilateral trade from around USD 1.3 billion to USD 2 billion. Bangladesh has invited Turkish investment in sectors including shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, infrastructure, information technology and defence manufacturing.

Rahman thanked Ankara for supporting Bangladesh's candidate for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and invited Erdoğan to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Earlier, Fidan held talks with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and visited Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, reaffirming Turkiye's humanitarian support for displaced refugees. Bangladesh was the fourth stop on the Turkish foreign minister's East and South Asia tour.