Erdogan's son Bilal, footballer Mesut Ozil in Cox's Bazar

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son Necmettin Bilal Erdogan has arrived in Cox's Bazar on a one-day official visit to observe the current situation of the Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar and taking refuge in Bangladesh.

He is accompanied by former German national team star footballer Mesut Ozil as part of the 11-member high-level delegation led by him.

The delegation arrived at Cox's Bazar Airport on a special flight from Dhaka at 10:45 am on Thursday (February 19) and was welcomed by deputy commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan and superintendent of police ANM Sazedur Rahman. Later, they visited the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) office in Cox's Bazar and participated in a meeting with relevant government officials and representatives of various Turkish organizations working in the Rohingya camps.

In a brief press briefing, Necmettin Bilal Erdo?an said that it is important for the international community to continue its concerted efforts to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. He noted that the Turkish government has been actively involved in humanitarian assistance activities since the beginning of the Rohingyas crisis in 2017.

He expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for providing shelter and assistance to the Rohingyas during this time.

After the exchange of views, the delegation went to Balukhali No. 9 Rohingya Camp in Ukhia Upazila. There, they visited the Turkish Field Hospital and the Multipurpose Education and Cultural Center run by a Turkish volunteer organization. In addition, the members of the delegation participated in a charity football match organized with the participation of the Rohingyas. After the match, Necmettin Bilal Erdo?an and Mesut Özil and members of the delegation had iftar with the Rohingya refugees.

During this one-day visit, the delegation will review the current humanitarian situation of the Rohingya refugees, education and healthcare activities, and the progress of international assistance activities. The delegation includes Abdullah Eren, the president of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, and Ramis Sen, the Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka, as well as officials at various levels, businessmen, and media representatives.

After visiting the Rohingya camps, the delegation members are scheduled to return to Dhaka by plane at night.

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