Bangladesh and The Gambia sign a visa exemption agreement, bolstering diplomatic ties and underscoring The Gambia’s support for the Rohingya crisis resolution. Dr. Mamadou Tangara emphasized continued advocacy for the Rohingya at the ICJ, alongside calls for collective international efforts. Both nations seek to expand cooperation in agriculture and peacekeeping, acknowledging global interdependence in addressing humanitarian issues.
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a significant visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, strengthening bilateral relations. This event also underscored The Gambia’s steadfast support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs for The Gambia, expressed gratitude towards Bangladesh for its hospitality and affirmed the country’s commitment to advocating for the Rohingya people.
Tangara, currently serving as the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), emphasized The Gambia’s resolve in representing the Rohingya’s interests at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He stated, “We are dedicated to ensuring that their voices are heard and that they can return to their homeland with dignity.” Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and restoring the fundamental rights of the Rohingya.
Acknowledging Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting over one million Rohingya refugees, Tangara assured of continued legal and diplomatic support. He noted that, although they have achieved significant victories at the ICJ, the fight is ongoing, necessitating collective international pressure for justice and sustainable resolution of the crisis.
Tangara also indicated the importance of cooperation between Bangladesh and The Gambia, particularly in agriculture and peacekeeping. He stated, “Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable achievements in food self-sufficiency, and we look forward to learning from its expertise.”
During his remarks, he noted the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that global challenges, like the Rohingya issue, require collective action and solidarity among nations.
Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury commended The Gambia’s support for the Rohingya, expressing appreciation for its role at the ICJ. He stressed that the Rohingya situation is a global humanitarian crisis and urged the international community to increase its support, recognizing The Gambia’s leadership as essential in this effort.
Chowdhury expressed optimism regarding further cooperation beyond the Rohingya crisis, highlighting opportunities in trade, agriculture, and more. He articulated the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including ready-made garments and pharmaceuticals, especially as both nations face climate vulnerabilities.
Concluding his remarks, the Home Adviser expressed gratitude to all teams involved in the agreement’s finalization and anticipated ongoing collaboration between The Gambia and Bangladesh. Ultimately, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing justice for the Rohingya people while fostering deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation in the future.
The signing of the visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia marks a significant moment in enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in light of The Gambia’s ongoing support for the Rohingya people. The commitment to international cooperation, especially in humanitarian efforts and agricultural collaboration, underlines the need for joint action against global challenges. Both nations reaffirm their dedication to working together in pursuit of justice for the Rohingya and expanding cooperative efforts across various sectors.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
