The Gambia and Bangladesh Strengthen Ties: A Commitment to the Rohingya Cause
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement, enhancing their bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to support the Rohingya cause. Both Dr. Mamadou Tangara and Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the necessity of international cooperation and collective action in addressing the Rohingya crisis and expressed optimism about future collaboration in various sectors.
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, significantly enhancing their bilateral relations. This agreement was formalized during a ceremony that underscored The Gambia’s resolute support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the country’s commitment to advocating for the rights of the Rohingya people, emphasizing the importance of their potential return with dignity.
Dr. Tangara, as chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reiterated The Gambia’s role in championing the Rohingya cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He highlighted the necessity of accountability for the perpetrators and the need for a peaceful future where the Rohingya can have their fundamental rights restored. He also praised Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting over a million Rohingya refugees and pledged continuous legal support for their plight.
Reaffirming the successes at the ICJ, Tangara urged collaborative international efforts to maintain pressure for a just resolution to this humanitarian issue. He also called for a collective commitment to keep the Rohingya crisis a global priority, following fruitful discussions at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Further emphasizing the potential for greater collaboration, Tangara pointed to opportunities in agriculture and peacekeeping, noting Bangladesh’s achievements in food self-sufficiency. He expressed optimism that The Gambia, with its fertile lands, could collaborate on agricultural endeavors that yield mutual benefits. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s leadership in UN peacekeeping missions and expressed interest in joint operations.
He underscored the interconnectedness of nations, particularly highlighted through lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Asserting that global challenges require shared responses, he noted that solidarity is essential, particularly concerning the Rohingya situation.
Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury praised The Gambia for its strong support of the Rohingya cause, viewing it as a courageous step towards justice at the ICJ. He reiterated that the Rohingya crisis is not only a regional issue but a global humanitarian challenge, calling for ongoing international assistance and recognizing The Gambia’s crucial leadership in these efforts.
Furthermore, he expressed enthusiasm for expanding cooperation beyond the Rohingya issue into various sectors including trade, agriculture, and technology, given the complementary strengths of both nations. Ending his remarks, the Home Adviser acknowledged the teams involved in this significant agreement and looked forward to deepening cooperation in the future.
The signing ceremony concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Rohingya people and enhancing diplomatic and economic relations moving forward.
The agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia marks a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations, showcasing a unified approach to support the Rohingya crisis. Both nations have emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collective action. With ongoing dialogues centered around agriculture, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts, there is a shared optimism for future collaboration and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the Rohingya people.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
