Bangladesh and The Gambia have initiated a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders, enhancing bilateral ties while emphasizing The Gambia’s continuous support for Bangladesh concerning the Rohingya issue. Dr. Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the Rohingya at the ICJ and stressed the importance of collective international action. The leaders also discussed broader cooperation in agriculture and peacekeeping operations, showcasing solidarity and partnership between the two nations.
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a significant visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. This agreement reflects the strengthening of bilateral relations and highlights The Gambia’s steadfast support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya situation. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the Foreign Affairs Minister of The Gambia, expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for its hospitality and affirmed The Gambia’s commitment to advocating for the Rohingya people.
As the current chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), The Gambia is resolute in supporting the Rohingya cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Tangara emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Rohingya people’s voices are amplified and that they are able to return to their homeland with dignity. He articulated that the struggle extends beyond accountability for the perpetrators and aims at restoring peace and fundamental rights for the Rohingya.
Dr. Tangara recognized Bangladesh’s commendable efforts in hosting over a million Rohingya refugees and assured of The Gambia’s legal and diplomatic support. He remarked that while they have seen successes at the ICJ, collective international action is vital for a just and sustainable resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He asserted that the Rohingya issue must remain a global priority following productive discussions at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The minister also highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two nations, particularly in agriculture and peacekeeping initiatives. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s advances in achieving food self-sufficiency and expressed interest in learning from this expertise to improve agricultural outcomes in The Gambia. Furthermore, he noted the international recognition of Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping missions, advocating for joint participation in peacekeeping operations.
Reflecting on global inter-dependency, Tangara pointed out lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, insisting that collective action is crucial to address challenges such as the Rohingya crisis. Speaking at the event, Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury appreciated The Gambia’s persistent support for the Rohingya cause, thereby reinforcing the bond between the two nations.
Chowdhury reiterated the necessity for ongoing international cooperation, framing the Rohingya situation as a global humanitarian crisis and recognizing Bangladesh’s significant burden in hosting refugees. He expressed hope for broader cooperation in areas beyond the Rohingya issue, highlighting opportunities in trade, agriculture, and sustainable practices relevant to both nations.
In conclusion, the ceremony underscored both countries’ commitment to continue collaborative efforts toward justice for the Rohingya and enhanced diplomatic and economic relations moving forward. Overall, this agreement marks a crucial advancement in partnership between Bangladesh and The Gambia, with a shared vision for the future of the Rohingya people.
The signing of the visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia represents a vital development in bilateral relations, accompanied by a mutual commitment to advocate for the Rohingya people’s rights. Both nations emphasize the necessity of sustained international cooperation to address the Rohingya humanitarian crisis while also exploring broader collaborative opportunities. This event signifies a unified effort between Bangladesh and The Gambia to champion justice for the Rohingya and foster meaningful partnerships in various sectors going forward.
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