In the heart of Cox’s Bazar on Thursday, laughter, smiles, and the aroma of traditional Iftar meals filled Camp 9 as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s son, Bilal Erdoğan and former Arsenal star, Mesut Özil, joined Rohingya families for the evening meal during Ramadan.
The visit offered more than just a symbolic gesture, as it was a chance to witness the daily struggles of a community that has endured decades of hardship.
Muslim News gathered that the Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar, have long faced systematic violence, discrimination, and forced evictions. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled to Bangladesh to escape atrocities, living in overcrowded camps with limited access to healthcare, education, and basic services.
The two international figures walked through the camp, pausing to talk with children attending makeshift classrooms, mothers caring for their families, and aid workers providing essential healthcare services. 
I spent my first day of Ramadan in the Rohingya camps in Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh, with Mr Bilal Erdogan. We saw some incredible work being done at a field hospital, school, and vocational training centre, all thanks to TIKA and Diyanet Vakfi. But, we can do more for our Rohingya… pic.twitter.com/KjS82TK68g
— Mesut Özil (@M10) February 20, 2026
Bilal Erdoğan spoke candidly about the urgent need for more international support. “For more than forty years, the Rohingya have been denied basic education,” he said. “Providing opportunities for learning, as well as sports and recreational activities, can give these children hope and prepare them to rebuild their future with dignity.”
For the young refugees, meeting Özil was a moment of excitement and joy. Cameras flashed as some bravely approached the footballer for selfies, while others watched from afar, caught in the brief magic of seeing a world-renowned athlete in their midst.
Earlier in the day, the delegation had arrived at Cox’s Bazar Airport from Dhaka and attended a briefing with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), discussing ways to improve education, healthcare, and social programs in the camps.
As the sun set and the call to Iftar rang through the camp, Bilal Erdoğan and Ozil sat among the families, sharing food and stories, bridging worlds in a simple act of human connection. Their visit was a reminder that beyond headlines and politics, empathy and solidarity can shine brightest in the shared moments of humanity.
Bilal Erdoğan’s visit is part of a broader pattern of humanitarian engagement. In recent years, he has been actively involved in supporting vulnerable populations, including Palestinians in Gaza and communities affected by natural disasters and conflict.
Through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and youth development, he has emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation and offering practical support that fosters long-term resilience.
The visit to Cox’s Bazar was more than a ceremonial engagement; it was a moment of shared humanity, bridging cultures and continents. As Bilal Erdoğan noted, the global community must do more than observe, “We must ensure that no child grows up without hope, education, or the chance to build a better future.”
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