|| Erdal Salih Özdemir, Honorary Consul of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Gaziantep, Turkey,  in an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed and Samia Tabassum said that the conflict in the Middle East and its effects on global energy markets are hurting many countries, including Bangladesh. Türkiye continues to support Bangladesh in strengthening its energy security. Türkiye is eyring to build long-term partnerships in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure with Banglaesh.The rest of the interview is given below “01.  Bangladesh has a government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr Tariqure Rahman after February 12, 2026 parliament election . How do you see Dhaka  -Ankara relations in the coming days ? Do you see high level visits in the coming days ?Answer: The formation of the government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been auspicious. We have full confidence that the development and stability achievements of the previous period will be resolutely continued in this new era. The mutual trust and cultural affinity that have existed between the two countries for many years provide a solid foundation for further strengthening relations in the coming period. There are significant opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and technology. The continuation of high-level visits will contribute to turning good intentions into concrete work.02.The world leaders, including Prime Minister of Bangladesh Mr Tarique Rahman will attend the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya on November 11–12. Can you please brief us about the preparation  of Turkey to host this important visit?COP31, to be held in Antalya on 11-12 November, is of great importance for the global fight against climate change. Türkiye has assumed the responsibility of hosting this important summit and has completed its preparations. We welcome the participation of the Bangladesh delegation, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Considering Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, we hope that this platform will pave the way for concrete cooperation on adaptation, renewable energy and climate finance.03.   The political scenario of Bangladesh changed after August 5, 2024.  Turkey is a strong member of NATO and has a strong military industry. Bangladesh is working to deepen civil and military cooperation with Turkey. How can Turkey extend cooperation to Bangladesh in the military sector?As a NATO member with a strong defence industry, Türkiye is open to deepening cooperation with Bangladesh in both civilian and military fields. Joint work in training, technical knowledge sharing, capacity building and the defence industry will be beneficial for both countries. For a sustainable partnership, it is important that cooperation is not limited to the supply of equipment but also includes knowledge transfer and the strengthening of local capabilities. We are ready to proceed in this regard within a framework of mutual trust.04.   The war in the middle-east has created an energy crisis globally. The rise in energy prices has put Bangladesh’s economy at high risk. How do you see the situation? Can Turkey extend cooperation to Bangladesh on energy issues?The conflict in the Middle East and its effects on global energy markets are affecting many countries, including Bangladesh. Türkiye continues to support Bangladesh in strengthening its energy security. There is potential to build long-term partnerships in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure. The experience of Turkish companies in these fields could be applied to projects that address Bangladesh’s needs.5. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to Bangladesh suffered in 2024 and 2025. Do you see more Turkish  investment in Bangladesh? How do Turkish businessmen  evaluate the investment climate in Bangladesh?Due to global economic conditions, periodic fluctuations may occur in foreign direct investment inflows to Bangladesh. Turkish businesspeople are closely following the investment environment in Bangladesh. We hope that suitable conditions will be created for the increase of Turkish investments, particularly in the textile, energy, construction and agri-food sectors. A predictable business environment and strengthened legal guarantees will encourage long-term investments. 06.   Bangladesh celebrated 55 years of independence last year. Bangladesh has become a member of a mid-income country this year. How do you see the achievement of Bangladesh during the last 55 years?Bangladesh’s achievement of middle-income country status after completing 55 years of independence is a great success. The progress made in economic growth, poverty reduction and social development over the past 55 years is commendable. We have full confidence that these achievements will be resolutely continued in the new period. Türkiye closely follows and supports Bangladesh’s achievements on this journey.07.   What is the number of Bangladeshis living in Turkey? How does the Turkish  government evaluate their contributions to the Turkish economy?Bangladeshi citizens living in Türkiye are an important community contributing to the social and economic life of our country. The Turkish government values the efforts and labour of Bangladeshis living here. Strengthening people-to-people ties is as important as diplomatic relations. Within a framework of mutual respect and integration, we hope that the contribution of this community to the Turkish economy will further increase.8. Turkey has a major success in the travel and tourism sector. How Dhaka and Ankara work together in promoting the tourism sector in Bangladesh?Türkiye has significant experience in the field of tourism. Joint efforts can be carried out between Dhaka and Ankara to develop the tourism sector. When Bangladesh’s natural and cultural riches are combined with Türkiye’s tourism infrastructure and experience, the number of mutual visitors can increase. Cooperation in education, destination promotion and capacity building will strengthen the bonds between the peoples of the two countries.9. Bangladesh has expressed to deepen relations with Turkey in strategic issues . How do you see the development ?We welcome Bangladesh’s desire to deepen its relations with Türkiye on strategic issues. Shaping cooperation in areas such as defence, security, trade and energy in a way that provides concrete benefits to the daily lives of the peoples is valuable for both countries. We support steps in this direction.10. Bangladesh-Turkey bilateral trade is hovering around  some  1.00 billion US dollars. What is our target to reach bilateral trade within the next five years?The current bilateral trade volume of more than 1 billion US dollars shows that the potential has not yet been fully utilised. The trade cooperation between Gaziantep, one of the biggest cities of Türkiye, and Bangladesh, which has continued for more than 50 years, demonstrates how deep-rooted the commercial ties between the two countries are. This cooperation has been continuous, particularly in the jute industries and in textiles, ready-made garments, as well as in food products, machinery, plastic products and agricultural products. The trade volume should be steadily increased over the next five years. Increasing product diversity and strengthening direct contacts between companies will facilitate reaching this target.11. Bangladesh has been going through an energy crisis. Can Turkey and Bangladesh work together in overcoming the energy crisis in the coming days? The energy crisis that Bangladesh is experiencing is an important area where the two countries can work together. Türkiye is ready to support Bangladesh with its experience and infrastructure in the energy field. Joint efforts in natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects will contribute to overcoming this crisis. Energy cooperation should be viewed not only as short-term solutions but as a long-term investment in development.12. What other issues that you like to share with the daily.The friendship between Bangladesh and Türkiye is strengthened by historical and cultural ties. The two countries moving together towards their goals of development, security and prosperity is also important for regional and world peace.On this occasion, I would like to respectfully commemorate the Bangladesh Search and Rescue Team that came to Türkiye during the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, and the valuable team members with whom I had the opportunity to work closely for a long period. The sacrifice, courage and spirit of humanitarian solidarity they demonstrated under difficult conditions are among the finest examples of solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. The struggle we fought shoulder to shoulder in those days created an unforgettable bond of friendship.During my visit to Bangladesh on 14 July 2025, I made every effort to visit all the officials who had provided support during the earthquake. During this visit, I observed that Bangladesh is progressing with confident steps in sustaining its development in the best possible way. I sincerely believe that relations between Dhaka and Ankara will advance not only politically in a positive direction but also in humanitarian relations in the best possible manner. I would like to convey to the people of Bangladesh that Türkiye’s trust and support for Bangladesh will continue.