The Gambia Affirms Support for Rohingya Amid Visa Agreement with Bangladesh

Bangladesh and The Gambia have signed a visa exemption agreement, enhancing bilateral relations and emphasizing Gambia’s support for the Rohingya issue. Dr. Mamadou Tangara reaffirmed the commitment to advocating for the rights of the Rohingya at the ICJ and called for global solidarity amidst ongoing humanitarian concerns. The partnership is expected to expand beyond the Rohingya crisis to include cooperation in agriculture and peacekeeping.

On March 13, 2025, Bangladesh and The Gambia signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, fostering a crucial milestone in their bilateral relations. The ceremony emphasized The Gambia’s steadfast support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for its hospitality and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to advocating for the Rohingya people’s rights.

Dr. Tangara, in his capacity as the current chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), underscored The Gambia’s dedication to championing the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He stated, “We are dedicated to ensuring that their voices are heard and that they can return to their homeland with dignity.” Tangara pointed out that achieving justice involves not only holding perpetrators accountable but also restoring peace and fundamental rights for the Rohingya community.

He acknowledged Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting a significant number of Rohingya refugees while assuring ongoing legal and diplomatic support. “We must work collectively to maintain international pressure for justice and a sustainable resolution to this humanitarian crisis,” he noted. Tangara emphasized that discussions at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies revealed a consensus on prioritizing the Rohingya issue globally.

The Gambian minister highlighted the prospect of enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and peacekeeping. He expressed enthusiasm for learning from Bangladesh’s successes in food self-sufficiency and stressed the potential benefits of agricultural collaboration. Additionally, Tangara expressed interest in participating in joint peacekeeping operations, leveraging Bangladesh’s global leadership in this domain.

During the event, Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury praised The Gambia’s ongoing support for the Rohingya cause. He remarked, “Bangladesh deeply appreciates The Gambia’s courageous role in pursuing justice for the Rohingya people at the ICJ.” Chowdhury emphasized that the Rohingya crisis is a global humanitarian challenge requiring sustained international cooperation, recognizing Bangladesh’s substantial responsibility amid limited resources.

The adviser further expressed optimism for expanded cooperation beyond the Rohingya issue, exploring opportunities in trade, agriculture, and other sectors. He identified potential collaborative ventures in ready-made garments, food processing, IT-enabled services, and pharmaceuticals, particularly in light of both nations’ vulnerabilities to climate change and reliance on agriculture.

In conclusion, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and advocating for the Rohingya people’s rights. The signing of the visa exemption agreement serves as a significant step toward deeper diplomatic and economic engagement between Bangladesh and The Gambia, paving the way for further collaboration in addressing humanitarian and developmental challenges.

In summary, the recent visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and The Gambia marks a pivotal advancement in bilateral relations, underscoring The Gambia’s unwavering support for the Rohingya people. Dr. Tangara’s commitment to advocating for justice at the ICJ reflects a broader intention to maintain international pressure for resolution. The discussions also opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, promising mutual benefits for both nations.

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