08/06/2026
Turkey has expressed its willingness to assist Bangladesh in establishing a domestic defense manufacturing industry. Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is significant potential to expand cooperation in defense, industry, and trade as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Speaking at a joint press conference following a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries, he noted that Bangladesh–Turkey trade currently stands at around $1.3 billion, with both sides discussing initiatives to increase it to $2 billion. He highlighted defense industries as one of the key areas for deeper collaboration.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Khalilur Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with other nations while safeguarding its national interests, adding that the country believes it has friends and partners abroad, not masters.
As part of its goal of building a self-reliant defense industry, Bangladesh’s interim government decided in November last year to establish a military economic zone. The initiative aims to produce drones, cyber technologies, weapons, and ammunition for military and paramilitary forces, with plans to export defense products in the future. The project is expected to require an investment of approximately Tk 15,000 crore over the long term.
Turkey has indicated its interest in supporting Bangladesh in achieving these objectives. Additionally, Ankara reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya population and supporting efforts for their repatriation.
Following the ministerial-level talks, Bangladesh and Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
