A burgeoning relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey is reshaping diplomatic and strategic calculations in South Asia, built on a foundation of increasing trade, significant defence cooperation, and a shared cultural affinity amplified by the popularity of Turkish television dramas. This growing alliance, occurring amidst a complex political transition in Dhaka, highlights a deliberate move by Bangladesh to diversify its foreign policy beyond its traditional reliance on India and China.

Since a student-led uprising in August 2024 led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, bilateral ties have accelerated dramatically. This shift is marked by a flurry of high-level diplomatic visits throughout 2025 aimed at cementing a partnership that extends from economics to military hardware. Dhaka is set to host the fourth Bangladesh-Turkey Foreign Office Consultation on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, to discuss elevating the relationship further.

At the heart of this strategic pivot is a robust and expanding defence relationship. The two nations are finalising a comprehensive “Defence Framework for Cooperation,” which aims to institutionalise joint production, technology transfer, and training. This formalises a trend that has seen Bangladesh become a significant purchaser of Turkish military equipment, including drones, armoured vehicles, and advanced rocket systems. According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, is expected to visit Turkey in November 2025 to advance these discussions. This cooperation is geared towards helping Bangladesh achieve its “Forces Goal 2030” military modernisation agenda while allowing Turkey to expand its strategic footprint into South Asia.

Trade and Investment on the Rise

Economic ties are a cornerstone of the deepening relationship, with bilateral trade currently valued at over $1 billion. Both countries are actively working to increase this volume. In August 2025, Turkish exports to Bangladesh reached $34 million, a significant increase from the previous year. Key Turkish exports include raw cotton, iron and steel, and industrial machinery, which support Bangladesh's vital textile and construction sectors. Conversely, Bangladesh's primary exports to Turkey are dominated by apparel and jute products.

Investment is also a key focus. In January 2025, Turkish conglomerate Koç Holdings announced plans to establish a component manufacturing plant in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has been actively courting Turkish investment in sectors like shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and energy, and has proposed the creation of a dedicated Turkish economic zone.

Soft Power and Shifting Alliances

Underpinning the formal diplomatic and economic ties is a powerful current of cultural exchange, most visibly manifested in the immense popularity of Turkish soap operas in Bangladesh. Dubbed in Bangla, shows like “Kara Sevda” (Endless Love) and historical epics have captured millions of viewers, challenging the long-standing dominance of Indian television. This cultural resonance is fostering a broader interest in Turkish language and culture, with educational institutions in Bangladesh reporting growing demand for Turkish language courses.

This warming of relations with Ankara comes as Dhaka’s ties with its powerful neighbour, India, have become strained. The interim government has formally requested the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since she was ousted in August 2024. India has not yet responded positively to the request, creating a diplomatic impasse. Hasina is facing charges of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh related to a deadly crackdown on protesters. This geopolitical context makes the pivot towards Turkey a significant strategic move for Bangladesh, as it seeks to balance regional power dynamics and assert greater autonomy in its foreign relations.

While this South Asian dynamic has no direct, immediate impact on Kenya or East Africa, it offers a compelling case study in modern geopolitics. For nations like Kenya, which also navigate complex relationships with regional and global powers, Bangladesh's strategy of diversifying partnerships, leveraging cultural diplomacy, and pursuing defence self-reliance through technology transfer presents a noteworthy model of middle-power diplomacy in an increasingly multipolar world.