Bangladesh, Turkey agree to form defence, political committees

Both sides signal closer coordination across security and economic cooperation

Bangladesh and Turkey have agreed to establish two ministerial-level joint committees, including one on defence cooperation, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral political and strategic relations.

The decision came during a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the discussions focused on expanding cooperation through structured ministerial engagement.

Both sides also agreed that foreign minister-level meetings will be held annually to further strengthen strategic ties, the PMO added.

A wide range of issues came up in the talks, including trade, investment, and the Rohingya crisis, it said.

The premier thanked Turkey for its support for Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Khalilur, Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir, and State Minister Shama Obaed attended the meeting.

Fidan arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a three-day visit.

He held talks with Khalilur on Friday, later visited Cox’s Bazar to observe the Rohingya situation, and returned to the capital before his scheduled departure on Saturday evening.