BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said Turkey is eager to work with the new government in Bangladesh after the upcoming national election.

He made the remarks after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and visiting Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister A Beris Ekinci at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.

The hour-long discussion covered bilateral relations, trade, investment, and the upcoming national election.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen was also present at the meeting.

BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, party Acting Chairman’s Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said Bangladesh and Turkey share a long-standing friendship that began during the time of President Ziaur Rahman. “Both countries played an important role in the OIC and we discussed ways to further strengthen it in the future,” he said.

He said both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in all areas, including trade, investment, and cultural ties. “Turkey has expressed interest in increasing its investments in Bangladesh. We also talked about strengthening the Turkey-Bangladesh Chamber to help achieve that,” he added.

About the upcoming election, Khosru said, “The issue of the election came up for discussion. Like everyone else, Turkey is also waiting for the election. They want to see a new Bangladesh after the polls and are keen to work with the new government that will be formed.”

Khosru calls for closure of ‘prolonged’ reform talks

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Turkey has proposed setting up a joint defence industry with Bangladesh. “Their government is in talks with Bangladesh about this, and we have expressed our willingness to continue cooperation in that area,” he said.

The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day on a two-day visit.