Mesut Özil Joins Rohingya Refugees for Ramadan Opener

Former Germany international Mesut Özil has spent the opening day of Ramadan visiting Rohingya refugees in the sprawling camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker arrived on Thursday as part of a high-profile humanitarian delegation. Consequently, his presence sparked jubilant scenes among thousands of displaced people living in the world’s largest refugee settlement.

World Cup Hero Brings Joy to Rohingya Camps

The 37-year-old took to a dusty pitch in Camp 4 to participate in the third annual Rohingya Football Tournament. Dressed in a sky-blue jersey, Özil showcased his trademark vision during a friendly match with young refugees. He even managed to find the net, prompting “Özil” chants to echo throughout the camp. After the match, the 2014 World Cup winner presented the winning captain with a trophy modelled on the famous FIFA prize.

The visit comes at a time when humanitarian agencies are increasingly focusing on youth engagement and psychosocial support. Over one million Rohingya Muslims have resided in these camps since fleeing violence in Myanmar in 2017. Özil’s involvement aims to shine a spotlight on the “lost generation” of children growing up in prolonged displacement. He told local reporters that the warm welcome he received in Bangladesh was a “wonderful experience.”

Diplomatic Mission Focuses on Education and Aid

Özil’s visit formed part of a broader Turkish delegation led by Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, son of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The group also included TİKA President Abdullah Eren, whose agency has funded significant infrastructure in the camps. They toured a multipurpose education and cultural centre, which features computer robotics workshops and music facilities. Crucially, the delegation stressed that education remains the only path toward a dignified future for the Rohingya people.

The visit also carried a significant spiritual dimension as the holy month of Ramadan commenced. The delegation shared the first Iftar meal of the season with a local Rohingya family in their humble shelter. Bilal Erdoğan used the occasion to urge the international community to renew its commitment to the crisis. He noted that international aid for the camps has decreased significantly over the past twelve months.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the trip was briefly marred by a minor security incident on Thursday evening. A convoy vehicle carrying the delegation was involved in a collision with an auto-rickshaw on the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Road. Fortunately, local police confirmed that neither Özil nor any members of the Turkish party sustained injuries. The former midfielder has since returned to Dhaka to continue his philanthropic tour across the country.