On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement, reinforcing their bilateral relationship and highlighting The Gambia’s support for the Rohingya issue. Dr. Mamadou Tangara assured ongoing legal and diplomatic assistance for the Rohingyas, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to ensure their rights and dignity. Both nations aim to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including agriculture and peacekeeping.
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia formalized a significant agreement exempting diplomatic and official passport holders from visa requirements, enhancing bilateral relations. This event, held at the Secretariat, also underscored The Gambia’s consistent support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the nation’s dedication to advocating for Rohingya rights while expressing gratitude towards Bangladesh for its hospitality. His leadership as the current chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) plays a crucial role in championing the Rohingya’s cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “We are dedicated to ensuring that their voices are heard and that they can return to their homeland with dignity,” Tangara stated.
He acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant efforts in hosting over a million Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to continued legal and diplomatic support. “We have achieved major victories at the ICJ, but the struggle is far from over. We must work collectively to maintain international pressure for justice and a sustainable resolution to this humanitarian crisis,” he remarked.
During the signing ceremony, Tangara highlighted the necessity of ongoing cooperation in various sectors, particularly agriculture and peacekeeping. He praised Bangladesh’s advancements in agricultural self-sufficiency and expressed The Gambia’s desire to collaborate in this area. Additionally, he noted Bangladesh’s reputation in UN peacekeeping missions and their eagerness for joint operations.
Tangara further reflected on global interdependence, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic showed us that no nation exists in isolation. We are interdependent, and global challenges require collective action.” He maintained that this same solidarity is vital in addressing the Rohingya plight.
Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury commended The Gambia’s supportive stance towards the Rohingya cause, stating that Bangladesh appreciates their courageous role in advocating for justice. He reiterated the need for sustained international cooperation in tackling this humanitarian issue, underscoring that it represents a global challenge that requires collective responsibility.
The Home Adviser expressed optimism for expanding collaboration beyond the immediate Rohingya crisis, envisioning enhanced partnerships in trade, agriculture, and other sectors. He mentioned potential cooperation in areas such as ready-made garments and IT-enabled services, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices given both countries’ agricultural reliance.
Chowdhury concluded by recognizing the efforts of both nations’ teams in finalizing the agreement and expressed hope for continued teamwork in the future. The ceremony ended with both Bangladesh and The Gambia reaffirming their commitment to support the Rohingya people and enhance diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian cooperation going forward.
This article highlights The Gambia’s commitment to legal and diplomatic support for the Rohingya issue while establishing bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a newly signed visa exemption agreement. Both nations are dedicated to advocating for the Rohingya people’s rights, focusing on agriculture, peacekeeping, and other collaborative areas. Continued international cooperation is imperative to address this humanitarian crisis effectively, reaffirming the strong ties between Bangladesh and The Gambia.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
