Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, emphasizing The Gambia’s support for Rohingya rights. The Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, reaffirmed their commitment to advocacy at the ICJ and highlighted the need for international cooperation. Both nations discussed potential collaborations in agriculture and peacekeeping, marking progress in their bilateral relations.
On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia formalized a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, paving the way for enhanced bilateral relations. The signing ceremony emphasized The Gambia’s steadfast support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality and reaffirmed commitment to advocating for Rohingya rights.
Dr. Tangara, as the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), pledged The Gambia’s role in promoting the Rohingya cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Rohingya people can return to their homeland with dignity and fundamental rights restored.
He acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant efforts in hosting over a million Rohingya refugees and stressed the need for continued international pressure for a sustainable resolution to the crisis. During discussions at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, it was agreed that the Rohingya issue should remain a global priority.
The minister further indicated a desire for broader collaboration between the two countries in fields such as agriculture and peacekeeping. He noted Bangladesh’s achievements in food self-sufficiency and expressed The Gambia’s eagerness to learn from these initiatives, believing that agricultural cooperation could yield mutual benefits.
Reflecting on global interconnectedness, Dr. Tangara emphasized the necessity of collective action, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its implications for the Rohingya issue. Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also praised The Gambia’s role and reaffirmed the need for sustained international cooperation to address the humanitarian challenges.
Moreover, the Home Adviser expressed optimism regarding the potential for collaboration in other sectors, including trade, agriculture, and climate resilience. He recognized the importance of sustainable farming practices for both climate-vulnerable nations.
The event concluded with both nations emphasizing their commitment to justice for the Rohingya people and the importance of deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation in the future. The efforts made by both diplomatic teams were acknowledged as crucial steps forward in their partnership.
The recent visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia symbolizes a strengthening of diplomatic ties, particularly in addressing the critical Rohingya issue. Continued advocacy for the rights and dignity of the Rohingya people remains a priority for both nations, as articulated by The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. This cooperation is not limited to humanitarian efforts but extends into agriculture, trade, and peacekeeping initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to promote mutual growth and resilience.
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