The IHH team arrived in Bangladesh following an eight-hour-long flight. Having several meetings in the capital city of Dhaka, then the members of the IHH team moved to the country’s largest city Chittagong.

The IHH team firstly visited the Soufi Fateh Owaysi Mohila Madrasah where they were welcomed by the teachers and students who were reciting hymns in the yard of the madrasah. IHH team members received some information about the education at the madrasah. The administrators of the madrasah who briefed the IHH members offered their thanks to the Turkish charity givers for their support to the madrasah. They said that the madrasah does not receive any financial assistance from the state of Bangladesh other than distribution of free course books. The madrasah administrators also asked assistance from the IHH team for the construction of concrete masjids in the yard of the madrasah because the current ones are in a very poor condition. They said they believe Turkish charity givers will also meet this need in their region after the establishment of a school and opening of water wells.

Following their visit to the madrasah, the IHH team visited the Dar al Iman Orphanage where 35 orphans receive education and live. The orphans who are supported by the IHH and most of whom were brought from Arakan welcomed the IHH team members with flowers. Examining the circumstances under which the orphans live and receive education, the IHH team members offered some presents to the orphans. In return, the orphans showed their love for Turkey and the IHH with a thanks message written on a white cloth banner.

Delivering a speech to the orphans and the guests, Gülden Sönmez, a member of the IHH executive board, said Turkish people always extend a helping hand to the orphans through the donations they make. “We are always with our orphans here, we will always be with them so that they can continue their education. Allah willing, we will see some of the orphans here continuing their education in Turkey,” she said.

The orphans offered their thanks to the IHH team and the charity givers who make donations for them by reciting the holy Quran and praying for them. Receiving the presents given to them by the IHH team, the orphans showed the biggest interest in the model of the Mavi Marmara ship.

The IHH team also attended the opening ceremony of a masjid near the orphanage which was constructed thanks to donations from benevolent people. A 12-year-old orphan led the mass prayer in the masjid which was also joined by the IHH members. The masjid will not only make it easier for the orphans to pray but it will also make the praying of the Bangladeshis in a nearby village easier.

Following the inauguration of the masjid, the IHH team visited the water wells opened by the IHH benefactors. The team members later attended the wedding of an orphan girl in a nearby village whose wedding expenses were met by the IHH. The team members who were joyfully welcomed by the residents of the village gave some presents to the newly-wed couple.

The IHH team later moved for Cox Bazaar to offer medical screenings to orphans and learn about the problems of the Arakenese refugees.