Dhaka: Just hours after Tariq Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, an unexpected and discreet visit by Bilal Erdogan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has sparked intense political speculation across South Asia.
Bilal Erdogan reportedly arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning in a private aircraft—less than 24 hours after Tariq Rahman’s oath ceremony. The visit was not publicly announced in advance, raising questions about Turkey’s rapidly growing interest in Bangladesh’s political landscape and its intentions with the newly formed government.
Observers believe the timing of the visit indicates a calculated Turkish attempt to deepen its influence in Dhaka at a critical moment of political transition.
Turkey Expanding Footprint Since 2024
Reports suggest that Turkey has been steadily strengthening its ties with Bangladesh since August 2024, when the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came into power. During this period, Ankara is believed to have intensified its outreach towards Bangladesh’s right-wing and Islamist political groups.
The presence of Bilal Erdogan in Dhaka is being seen as a politically significant signal, especially given Turkey’s alleged links with groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and other hardline factions in Bangladesh.
Analysts claim Bilal’s sudden visit may be part of a larger “strategic mission” aimed at consolidating Turkey’s role in Bangladesh’s domestic and regional affairs.
Bilal Erdogan Arrives With Mesut Ozil and Turkish Delegation
Bilal Erdogan was accompanied by several high-profile individuals, including former German football star Mesut Ozil, Abdullah Acar—Chairman of Turkey’s government-backed aid agency TIKA—and other key members of the Turkish delegation.
During his visit, Bilal inaugurated a medical centre at Dhaka University, reportedly funded by TIKA, reflecting Turkey’s increasing use of development projects as a tool for diplomatic and ideological outreach.
Visit to Rohingya Camps Planned
One of the most closely watched parts of Bilal Erdogan’s Bangladesh tour is his planned visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The region has long remained sensitive due to repeated reports of extremist activity, violence, and criminal networks operating within refugee settlements.
Turkey’s growing involvement in the Rohingya issue has further raised concerns among regional security analysts.
Rising Concern for India
The Turkish outreach comes at a time when India is attempting to rebuild and stabilise its relationship with Bangladesh’s new government. However, Ankara’s increasing presence in Dhaka is being viewed as a potential challenge to India’s strategic interests.
Turkey had openly supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, and its expanding influence through agencies like TIKA is being interpreted as part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at strengthening Islamist ideological networks in South Asia.
Experts warn that Turkey’s involvement could push Bangladesh’s political environment in a direction less favourable to India, potentially impacting regional security—particularly in India’s sensitive northeastern states.
A New Geopolitical Contest in Dhaka
Bilal Erdogan’s sudden arrival has effectively signalled that Bangladesh may now be emerging as a new arena for geopolitical competition, with Turkey positioning itself aggressively to gain leverage within the newly formed administration.
With Tariq Rahman’s government still in its early days, Turkey’s rapid move is being closely monitored by India and other regional powers.
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