Bangladesh hails Turkey's efforts over Rohingya crisis

By Metin Tokgoz

ISTANBUL

Bangladesh's consul general in Istanbul on Wednesday praised bilateral ties with Turkey and Ankara’s support to the country over the Rohingya crisis.

Speaking at Uskudar University in Istanbul to mark the 47th Victory Day of Bangladesh, Mohammad Monirul Islam said: “Our relations with Turkey is going very well. We, as two countries, call each other as brotherly countries.”

Bangladesh wants the relations with Turkey to be maintained not only at the political level, but also at the academic level, Islam said, expressing his country’s desire to make student and academic exchanges between the two countries.

He also hailed Turkey's support to his country saying, "we thank Turkey so much for their support over Rohingya [crisis]."

Last month, a UN commission overwhelmingly approved a Turkish-backed resolution strongly condemning the continuing human rights violations and abuses against Rohingya.

Turkey sponsored the resolution on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union.

The resolution expresses deep concern that violence by Myanmar’s military against the Rohingya has forced over 750,000 people to flee to Bangladesh since August 2017.

Turkish Red Crescent, locally known as “Kizilay” also offers considerable aid to suffering Rohingya Muslims, including shelter, food, clothing, and personal care items.

Since 2012, and especially since August 2017, the agency has delivered over 40 million Turkish lira (over $7.5 million) worth of humanitarian aid for needy Rohingya, according to the agency.

The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

Since Aug. 25, 2017, nearly 24,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed by Myanmar’s state forces, according to a report by the Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA).