From trade to defence: Dhaka and Ankara seek to recast strategic ties

Bangladesh and Turkey will hold their fourth Foreign Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka on October 7, aiming to deepen political, economic, and defence ties as both countries move to strengthen their strategic partnership. The meeting, the first in more than five years, will take place at the State Guest House Padma, signalling renewed diplomatic engagement following Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024. It also makes Turkey the third country, after India and Pakistan, to hold top-tier bilateral talks with Bangladesh’s interim government. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will lead the Bangladeshi delegation, while Deputy Foreign Minister A Beris Ekinci will represent Turkey. Ekinci arrives in Dhaka on October 6 for a two-day visit and is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor...