An 11-member high-profile Turkish delegation, led by Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan,the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday( February 19) for a one-day visit to the Rohingya refugee camps. Among the delegates was former German football star Mesut Özil.

The delegation’s special flight landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport at around 10:45 a.m. , where they were warmly received by Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan and Superintendent of Police A.N.M. Sajedur Rahman.

Following their arrival, the team visited the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), where they held a meeting with government officials and representatives of various Turkish aid organizations working in the camps.

During a short press briefing, Bilal Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s continued solidarity with the Rohingya community, emphasizing that “the international community must work together to ensure the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their homeland.” He expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Bangladesh for providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to the displaced population since the 2017 crisis.

The delegation later traveled to Ukhiya’s Balukhali Camp No. 9, where they visited the Turkish Field Hospital and the multipurpose education and cultural center operated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). As part of their goodwill activities, Bilal Erdoğan and Mesut Özil were expected to take part in a charity football match with Rohingya youth before joining them for iftar.

Throughout the visit, the delegation assessed the ongoing humanitarian operations and the current living conditions of the refugees.

Other members of the delegation included TİKA President Abdullah Eren, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen, senior officials, business leaders, and media representatives.

The team was scheduled to return to Dhaka by air later in the evening.

BOB Post