German soccer player Mesut Ozil, who won the 2014 World Cup, together with Necmettin Bilal Erdogan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, paid a visit to Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar during an official one-day tour yesterday. They landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport at approximately 10:45 am after a special flight from Dhaka, accompanied by an 11-person delegation that included Abdullah Eren from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen, as well as officials, business representatives, and media personnel. Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan and Superintendent of Police Sajedur Rahman welcomed them at the airport.
Subsequently, the group proceeded to the office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in Cox’s Bazar, where they engaged in discussions with relevant government officials and Turkish organization representatives working within the camps. Bilal Erdogan emphasized the importance of repatriation, stating, “Allowing people to return to their homes, their fundamental right, is critical. International law stipulates that refugees should have the opportunity to go back to their homes.” He expressed gratitude to Ozil for accompanying him, highlighting that the football star opted to share his first iftar of Ramadan with the Rohingya refugees.
Moreover, the delegation toured the Turkish Field Hospital and the educational and cultural center managed by TIKA at Balukhali Camp-9 in Ukhiya. Ozil participated in a friendly football match with Rohingya refugees before joining them for iftar. The group concluded their visit and returned to Dhaka later in the evening.