Turkey Ambassador to Brunei Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy in an interview to Bangladeshi journalists
By Imtiaz Ahmed and Samia Tabassum
Turkey Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Brunei Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy in an interview to some selected Bangladeshi journalists said that the new political chapter in Bangladesh is most likely to become a new chapter in Bangladesh–Türkiye relations. “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” said Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy
‘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,” said Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy
Our relationship, however, 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. At the same time, the relationship has increasingly acquired a strategic dimension. Therefore, I believe the task before us today is not to begin a new relationship, but rather to build a more ambitious structure upon the strong foundations that already exist.
The early indications are certainly encouraging. Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, visited Bangladesh on 5–6 June 2026, met his Bangladeshi counterpart and was received by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. During the visit, the two sides discussed a broad agenda ranging from political and economic relations to defence cooperation, regional affairs and the Rohingya issue. This high-level engagement so soon after the formation of the new government demonstrates, in my view, the importance that both countries attach to the relationship.
He also said “I therefore expect the coming period to be one of intensified political dialogue. 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. For this reason, I would certainly welcome, and I believe we can reasonably expect, further high-level exchanges between Dhaka and Ankara in the coming period. The exact timing and level of such visits are, of course, matters for the respective governments to announce. But the current political momentum and the recent intensification of contacts provide a very favourable environment for such exchanges.
“The next stage of our relations should, in my opinion, 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,” the Turkish ambassador said.
Economic cooperation deserves particular attention. The two countries have significant populations, dynamic private sectors and complementary capabilities. During the June 2026 visit, the objective of increasing bilateral trade from approximately US$1.3 billion to US$2 billion was highlighted. I believe even this should be regarded as an intermediate target rather than the limit of our potential. 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 cooperation is another area with considerable potential. Türkiye has developed an increasingly capable and internationally competitive defence industry, while Bangladesh is pursuing the modernisation of its capabilities. Cooperation in this field can develop on the basis of mutual benefit and respect for Bangladesh’s priorities. But I would emphasise that the strategic relationship should remain broad. 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.
There is also an important international and regional dimension. Bangladesh is a major country of South Asia and an increasingly significant voice of the Global South. Türkiye, meanwhile, has pursued a multidimensional foreign policy and has considerably expanded its engagement with Asia. As I have argued in my book, Türkiye–Asia Pacific at New Crossroads (2025), the center of gravity of international politics and the global economy has increasingly shifted towards 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.
“From an academic perspective, after studying international relations for many years, I would also underline that the international system is undergoing a period of profound transformation. We are witnessing the emergence of a more complex and increasingly multipolar international order. Countries such as Türkiye and Bangladesh therefore have strong reasons to diversify their international partnerships while preserving their strategic autonomy. Our cooperation should not be understood as being 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.
The Rohingya issue also remains an important dimension of our relationship. Türkiye has consistently shown solidarity with Bangladesh in addressing this enormous humanitarian burden. During Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s June visit, he travelled to Cox’s Bazar and observed the work of Turkish institutions and the services of the Türkiye–Bangladesh humanitarian hospital. Türkiye has also reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s efforts concerning the Rohingya crisis. This is an area where our relationship goes beyond traditional diplomacy and reflects genuine humanitarian solidarity.
At the same time, people-to-people relations must remain at the heart of our partnership. Governments can sign agreements, but lasting friendship is ultimately sustained by people. We should therefore encourage more 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.
“Yes, I am optimistic about Dhaka–Ankara relations under the new government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and I believe the coming period can witness both more frequent high-level exchanges and a substantial deepening of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office in February 2026, and the visit of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Dhaka in June has already provided an important early signal of continuity and forward momentum in the relationship.”
He also said “But 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. I believe both countries have the political will, the economic potential and, most importantly, the mutual trust necessary to achieve this.”
The new political chapter in Bangladesh can therefore also become a new chapter in Bangladesh–Türkiye relations. 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.
Meanwhile, born in 1964, Prof. Dr. Hamit Ersoy had his BA education in 1984-1988 from the University of Ankara, Faculty of Political Sciences, International Relations Department. He did a PhD in 1990-1994 at the University of Durham, UK, Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
He was a lecturer in 1994-2004 at Kırıkkale University and Atılım University. During 2007-2011, he was head of the International Relations Department at the Radio and Television Supreme Council During 2008-2019, he was founding secretary general of the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (BRAF).
During the 2008-2019 period, he was Founding Secretary General of the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (BRAF).
During 2011-2019, he was Founding Director General of Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-IBRAF). He was made Türkiye’s ambassador to Brunei Darussalam in 2021…
During 2004-2007 period, he was General Coordinator of Socrates/life-long education programs at the EU Education and Youth Programs Department at the Office of the Prime Minister
During 2007-2011 period, he was Head of International Relations Department at the Radio and Television Supreme Council
