Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh’s Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has held a meeting with Turkish Parliament Speaker Professor Dr Numan Kurtulmuş to discuss bilateral relations, democratic development, parliamentary cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.

The meeting took place on Thursday, October 8, in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Akif Yilmaz, chairman of the Bangladesh Friendship Group in the Turkish Parliament, and other officials were also present at the meeting.

During the discussion, the two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh-Türkiye relations, Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in parliamentary democracy, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

Kurtulmuş congratulated Bangladesh on embarking on a new phase in its democratic process. He also praised the role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the country’s democratic transition, the press release said.

Dr Shafiqur briefed the Turkish Parliament Speaker on Bangladesh’s recent democratic progress and his party’s role in strengthening parliamentary democracy. He also highlighted the continuing Rohingya crisis and stressed the need for international cooperation to address the plight of the displaced people.

Expressing deep appreciation for Türkiye’s continued assistance to the Rohingya community and its humanitarian engagement, the opposition leader conveyed his gratitude to the Turkish government and people.

During the meeting, Dr Shafiqur also handed over a letter addressed to the Turkish president to the parliament speaker.

The two sides underscored the importance of further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

Dr Shafiqur called for increased Turkish investment in Bangladesh and urged both countries to expand economic and trade cooperation. Greater collaboration, he indicated, could create new opportunities for business, investment and development in both countries.

They also expressed optimism about strengthening people-to-people relations through cooperation in economic affairs, parliamentary exchanges, education, technology, arts, literature and humanitarian activities.

Both sides expressed their hope for deeper friendship, mutual understanding and broader cooperation between the two countries in the coming days.

Dr Hafizur Rahman, an eminent educationist and Jamaat-e-Islami-nominated mayoral candidate for Gazipur City Corporation, and noted physician Dr SM Khaliduzzaman accompanied the opposition leader during the meeting.

The meeting reflects a shared interest in expanding Bangladesh-Türkiye engagement beyond traditional diplomatic ties to include investment, parliamentary relations, education, technology and humanitarian cooperation. The Rohingya issue also remained a key point of discussion, highlighting the importance of sustained international support for a lasting solution to the crisis.