Türkiye often presents itself as a champion of justice, democracy and Muslim solidarity. However, the country’s historical relationship with Bangladesh indicates a very complex reality. Opposing Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, supporting Pakistan against Bangladesh’s nationalist movement in various international forums, and criticizing the trial of war criminals even decades later, the country has taken several steps. As a result, Ankara’s policy position has come into conflict with the sentiments of many Bangladeshis. Because, for the people of Bangladesh, the great liberation war is the foundation of national identity and state.
Position of Turkey during the Liberation War
During the Great War of Liberation in 1971, Türkiye did not stand for the Bengali people. Not only that, the country supports Pakistan. Calling the Liberation War an internal matter of Pakistan, it emphasized the geographical integrity of Pakistan at that time. Türkiye did not recognize Bangladesh during the liberation war or immediately after the victory of Bangladesh in December 1971. Türkiye formally recognized Bangladesh on 22 February 1974, after Pakistan recognized Bangladesh as an independent state and on the eve of Bangladesh’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
This delay points to Turkey’s strategic priorities. Pakistan has long been a close ally of Turkey due to its Cold War-era security alliance and wider political ties to the Muslim world. As a result, it became more important for Ankara to maintain the relationship with Islamabad than to support the struggle for independence of Bangladesh.
Membership of OIC and Bangladesh
Türkiye did not play an active role for Bangladesh in achieving Bangladesh’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Rather, Ankara accepted Bangladesh’s membership only after Pakistan changed its position. Pakistan’s decision to recognize Bangladesh was the key factor behind Bangladesh’s diplomatic progress towards OIC membership. It was the result of a larger diplomatic initiative in the Muslim world. Although Türkiye eventually accepted this decision, it was not active in favoring the inclusion of Bangladesh in the OIC.
This historic event is still important to many Bangladeshis today. Because, the countries which actively stood by Bangladesh during the liberation war, they are naturally in a different position in the national memory. Compared to those who recognized Bangladesh after the geopolitical reality became inevitable, their position is different.
Jamaat-e-Islami and Türkiye
During the Great Liberation War of 1971, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami opposed independence and sided with Pakistan. The party’s top leaders cooperated politically with Pakistan’s military government. Later, some of them were found guilty by the courts of Bangladesh for crimes against humanity committed during the liberation war.
There is no credible historical evidence that Türkiye directly supported Jamaat-e-Islami in 1971. However, by supporting Pakistan’s position, Turkey was virtually siding with the same side that Jamaat-e-Islami was with.
Erdogan’s Türkiye and Jamaat-e-Islami
This chapter of Türkiye-Bangladesh relations took a new dimension during the tenure of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Since the 2010s, Türkiye has repeatedly criticized the activities of the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh. It also called for not executing several leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami convicted of war crimes. Turkish officials have described the trials as politically motivated. At the same time, they called for showing mercy to the convicts.
On the other hand, the position of Bangladesh was different. According to the government, these trials were completed through the International Criminal Tribunal to ensure long-awaited justice for the brutal crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War.
Türkiye, Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat-e-Islami
The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has generally taken a sympathetic stance towards various movements associated with ‘political Islam’. Their sympathy is particularly pronounced for organizations influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Muslim Brotherhood are two separate organizations. Their history, origin and national context are also different. The ideological foundation of Jamaat-e-Islami is based on the thought of Abul A’la Maududi. On the other hand, the Muslim Brotherhood was born in Egypt under the leadership of Hassan al-Banna.
However, the researchers note some important ideological similarities between the two organizations. These include the integration of Islam and politics, the position in favor of governing the state based on Islamic principles, the emphasis on building grassroots social organizations and the idea of mutual cooperation between Islamist political forces in different countries.
Due to these ideological similarities, it has been mentioned in various discussions that cordial political relations have developed between some personalities of the ruling political circles of Turkey and the leaders associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Context of 2026 election
Some analysts believe that Türkiye has expressed moderate political sympathy for the Jamaat in the Bangladeshi political context. However, there is no evidence of direct electoral assistance. But some Turkish institutions have helped Jamaat with social media campaigns and election funding, according to analysts.
However, claims of direct involvement of the Turkish government need to be supported by proper data and evidence.
The influence of history
Turkey’s policy position in Bangladesh affects the memory of history. The pro-Pakistani stance during the Liberation War and the subsequent support of Jamaat leaders is still controversial to the people of Bangladesh.
At the same time, the two countries have expanded their cooperation in trade, investment, defense, education and humanitarian sectors. Thus, modern bilateral relations exist alongside unresolved historical differences.
The challenge for Bangladesh and Turkey is how to enhance effective cooperation while acknowledging the reality of history. True friendships are built not by ignoring history, but by dealing with it openly and respectfully.
