The relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh has vast potential as long as it is guided by strategic vision and pragmatic cooperation. Several areas could help to consolidate and develop this relationship, write Khan Sarifuzzaman and Jannatul Bakia Afrida
IN A world that is both more and more interconnected and, at the same time, fragmented, the role of bilateral relations among the emerging powers is gaining significance. In this scenario, the developing relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh is a unique case that has been defined through historical goodwill, shared values, increasing economic interests, and strategic considerations that are still in the process of developing.
The relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh has its basis despite them being geographically distant from each other. The involvement of Turkey in the early stages of independence in Bangladesh and its support for humanitarian projects such as Rohingya has made a positive impact on the people of Bangladesh. Similarly, it has often been a perspective of Bangladesh that Turkey has been a bridge between Asia and Europe and a Muslim state that has successfully developed itself in terms of industry and foreign policies.
The relationship between these two nations is rooted in ancient history. For centuries, Turkish religious, commercial, and military leaders have established a presence in Bengal, bringing with them their distinct culture and traditions. The people of Bengal warmly embraced these influences, fostered by a foundation of shared values. This deep-seated bond was notably demonstrated during the 1920s when the Bengali people protested and campaigned against British efforts to dismantle the Ottoman Caliphate. The diplomatic relations between Turkey and Bangladesh officially began after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship has been developing steadily through the establishment of diplomatic missions, parliamentary visits, and multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Developing Eight organisations. Both countries have been emphasising common values such as sovereignty, non-interference, and multilateralism.
The recent wave of high-profile visits has brought fresh momentum into this relationship. The political leaders and foreign ministers of both countries have made it clear that they are determined to take this relationship further than just goodwill diplomacy. The relationship has thus moved from being goodwill-based to increasingly being interest-driven.
Prospects
THE economic engagement is the most vibrant side of the relationship between the two countries. Their bilateral trade has crossed the one billion dollar mark, which is an achievement, though not so remarkable given the size of the two economies. Bangladesh exports primarily readymade garments, leather goods, and jute goods to Turkey, while importing machinery, iron and steel products, chemicals, and textiles.
There are many reasons for Bangladesh to improve its relationship with Turkey. The steady economic growth, market, workforce, and infrastructure of Bangladesh make the country very attractive to foreign investors. Turkish companies are already operating in Bangladesh in areas like textiles, construction, power production, cement, and consumer products. The experience of Turkish companies in building and manufacturing on a massive scale matches Bangladesh’s development requirements.
For Bangladesh, the Turkish market not only opens up opportunities within Turkey but also within Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Turkish companies usually conduct business in accordance with European norms, which would help Bangladeshi companies diversify their products and improve quality. Moreover, Turkish experience in VAM would create opportunities for the transfer of technology.
Cooperation on investment is another area with huge untapped potential. While Turkish investment in Bangladesh is on the rise, all possibilities are yet to be explored. The economic zones, the investment incentives, and the changing investment framework offer a rich field for Turkish investment.
In the textile and clothing sectors, joint ventures can be mutually advantageous. Bangladesh is second to none in ready-made garments, while Turkey has expertise in fashion design and high-quality textiles. This synergy can help Bangladesh move to the top of the world’s value chain as it enters its post-LDC graduation era.
Apart from the textile sector, other areas for cooperation include the production of medicines, the building of ships, agro-processing, renewable energy, and information technology. The Turkish expertise in the area of urban development and transportation infrastructure can also be an important factor for the development programme in Bangladesh.
Soft power plays an important part in the sustenance of long-term bilateral relations, where the two countries have inherent advantages. Cultural ties, religious commonality, and increasing people-to-people interactions help build mutual understanding.
There has been expansion in areas of education, scholarships, and training initiatives. Bangladeshi students have opportunities at Turkish educational institutions, and cultural events and media exchanges have increased understanding of societies on both sides. Tourism, although at an early stage, has potential with improving connectivity.
In addition, further development in the above-mentioned areas would help root the relationship in a manner that would not be affected by short-term political or economic changes. People-to-people links often turn out to be the most enduring foundation of international relationships.
One of the new areas of Turkey’s relationship with Bangladesh is in the realm of military cooperation. Turkey has been able to establish a strong, autonomous military industry, including the production of unmanned aircraft, naval ships, and armored vehicles, as well as electronic warfare systems that compete in the international market. Bangladesh, in its efforts to modernise its military, has shown its willingness to have diverse military partnerships.
Analyses regarding the acquisition, training, and transfer of technologies indicate a degree of prudent but increasing strategic convergence. Despite the fact that this partnership is still at a nascent stage, it is a part of Bangladesh’s overall approach towards diversification in its sources of defence, as well as Turkey’s plan for responsible expansion in its defence exports.
However, cooperation in these areas has to be handled with care and caution. Regional sensibilities, and more specifically in South Asia, mean that Bangladesh has to walk a tightrope in its foreign policy. Turkey’s relationships with various regional and international powers are also complicated. This has to be kept in mind while dealing with its defence relationships.
Challenges
HOWEVER, in spite of the positive momentum in the relationship, several issues have to be addressed in order for the relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh to realise its potential. These issues include the trade imbalance between the two countries. Bangladesh’s trade with Turkey is limited in nature and is therefore sensitive to outside influences.
It will be important to diversify their export baskets and encourage Bangladeshi businesses to explore new areas of exports. This will involve not only ensuring that they gain access to new markets but also ensuring that they meet certain standards of quality and branding.
Obstacles arising from regulations and bureaucracy are also a challenge. Variations in business culture, laws, and procedures can act as a deterrent for investments as well as joint ventures. Although both governments are ready to tackle such problems, there is a need for changes at the institutional level.
The second challenge is that of competition for investment and focus. Bangladesh is of great interest to the major global players who have significant economic power. A Turkish economy that is of middle rank needs to find its niches where it is stronger compared to the rivals.
Concurrently, it is important that partnerships between Bangladesh and Turkey are organised in a manner that provides mutual advantages, including technology and skills development.
Way forward
LOOKING into the future, the relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh has vast potential, as long as it is guided by strategic vision and pragmatic cooperation. Several areas could help consolidate and develop this relationship.
Firstly, Bangladesh can be a critical partner in the success of the Asia Anew initiative of Turkey for several strategic reasons. Bangladesh may provide Turkey with a geostrategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific, acting as a key knowledge and economic partner in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. As a stable, friendly, and fast-growing Muslim-majority democracy, Bangladesh offers a reliable base for Turkey to project its influence and values within South Asia.
To begin with, both parties should aim to agree on an economic partnership framework that encompasses trade facilitation, investment, and regulation. This would help create predictability.
Second, sector-specific collaboration, especially in textiles, infrastructure, defence technology, and education, needs to be given more importance than generic and non-specific statements. Road maps and pilot projects can help achieve this and instil trust in the process.
Third, people-to-people ties must be developed by increasing educational exchanges, cultural initiatives, and tourism promotion. Such ties will help maintain public goodwill and support for engagement with Turkey.
Finally, it is imperative for both countries to continue cooperating closely within multilateral settings, advocating for developing and emerging countries as a whole.
Dr Khan Sarifuzzaman is secretary general of the Institute for Rights Research and Development; and, Jannatul Bakia Afrida is a research assistant at the Institute for Rights Research and Development.
