Khaborwala Online Desk
Published: 18 Feb 2026, 03:59 pm
Mesut Özil, the 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning midfielder for Germany, has arrived in Dhaka to participate in a series of humanitarian activities. The former football star’s visit centres around the inauguration of the ‘TIKA’ project at the University of Dhaka and a planned visit to Rohingya refugee camps.
On Wednesday, 18 February, Özil attended the opening ceremony of the TIKA initiative at Dhaka University. The project, operated under the auspices of the Turkish government, aims to support developmental work at the Shaheed Mortuza Medical Centre, enhancing healthcare and infrastructure for the local community. Özil’s presence brought significant attention to the initiative, highlighting the role of international collaboration in humanitarian efforts.
Following the inauguration, Özil is scheduled to visit Rohingya refugee camps to gain firsthand insight into the conditions faced by the displaced community. This visit coincides with preparations for the upcoming Ramadan, during which he will participate in an Iftar programme with the refugees on 19 February, the day following the project launch. His engagement with the camp aims to raise awareness of their ongoing struggles and provide encouragement to aid organisations working on the ground.
Özil arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday, 17 February, and is expected to depart the country later on Wednesday night after completing his scheduled engagements. His visit underscores a growing trend of international sports figures engaging in humanitarian efforts, using their platform to draw attention to critical social issues.
The TIKA project at Dhaka University represents a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Turkey, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development. By involving high-profile personalities like Özil, the project hopes to attract wider public interest and additional support for its initiatives.
| Date | Activity | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 | Arrival in Bangladesh | Dhaka | Özil arrived from Germany |
| 18 Feb 2026 | TIKA Project inauguration | Dhaka University | Developmental support for medical centre |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Iftar with Rohingya refugees | Rohingya refugee camp | Insight visit into living conditions |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Departure from Bangladesh | Dhaka | Concludes visit |
Özil’s visit is expected to draw significant media coverage and public attention, reinforcing the positive impact of celebrity involvement in global humanitarian projects.
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