Mesut Özil's convoy in crash near Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh
A minor road incident involving a convoy carrying former footballer Mesut Özil and Turkish politician Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan took place on Thursday evening. The crash occurred near Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. While the two high-profile passengers remained unharmed, an auto-rickshaw driver was seriously injured and hospitalised.
The area is home to around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, many living in severely overcrowded conditions with frequent safety risks.
The collision happened on the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf highway in Ukhiya upazila. A battery-powered three-wheeler struck a police escort vehicle that was part of the convoy's security detail. The injured driver was quickly taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Authorities have since impounded the damaged vehicle and begun an investigation. They are examining whether the crash resulted from a traffic violation, a lapse in VIP security procedures, or an accidental mishap. No charges have been filed so far, as officials await the findings.
The incident unfolded in a region already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. Kutupalong camp, where the convoy was travelling, shelters over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees on just 24 square kilometres. Overcrowding, flammable shelters, and deteriorating infrastructure create constant hazards. A major fire in January 2026 destroyed 450 homes and 10 schools, highlighting the fragile living conditions. Most refugees, including 70% women and children, remain stateless after Myanmar denied them citizenship and basic rights.
The investigation into the crash continues, with police reviewing evidence before deciding on further steps. Meanwhile, the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar face ongoing challenges, from safety risks to limited access to essential services. The injured auto-rickshaw driver's condition remains under medical supervision.
