by Ro Maung Shwe
Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and former German footballer Mesut Özil visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar on February 19, 2026, where they met refugees, observed humanitarian activities, and shared Iftar with community members during Ramadan.
The delegation arrived in Cox’s Bazar in the morning following engagements in Dhaka. Local authorities, including representatives from the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner office, received them upon arrival.
Visit to Camps and Facilities
During the one day visit, the delegation toured several camps in Ukhiya, including Camp 9, Camp 16, and Camp 4. They visited a field hospital and educational facilities supported by Turkish organisations, including the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency.
Officials said the visit aimed to observe living conditions inside the camps and review ongoing humanitarian support in areas such as health and education.
The delegation also attended youth focused activities, including a football event involving Rohingya children and adolescents. Community members said such activities help provide temporary relief and encouragement for young people growing up in prolonged displacement.
Ramadan Engagement
In the evening, Bilal Erdoğan and Mesut Özil joined Rohingya families for Iftar, marking the first Iftar of Ramadan with refugees in the camps. Community leaders described the gesture as symbolic support during a month that holds religious and emotional importance for many families.
Statements and Context
In brief remarks to the media, Bilal Erdoğan acknowledged the role of Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees for nearly a decade and expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the host community.
He reiterated that voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar remains a long term objective, while humanitarian assistance must continue until safe return becomes possible.
Mesut Özil participated in camp activities and interacted with children and youth. His presence drew attention to the social and recreational programmes operating inside the camps.
Ongoing Humanitarian Situation
The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar remain among the largest in the world, hosting more than one million displaced people who fled violence in Myanmar beginning in 2017.
As Ramadan begins, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of funding shortages and growing needs inside the camps. Community members say visits by international figures draw attention to their situation, but long term solutions remain uncertain.
The visit concluded in the evening after meetings with camp officials and community representatives.
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