Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that Turkey is eagerly awaiting the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. He made this statement during a press briefing following a meeting between Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party’s chairperson’s Gulshan office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen accompanied the deputy foreign minister during the meeting, which lasted over an hour. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations, trade and commerce, investment opportunities, and the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Turkey expressed a desire to engage with the post-election government and strengthen relations with Bangladesh.
Khasru highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations, dating back to the era of Ziaur Rahman, as well as Turkey’s and Saheed Zia’s significant contributions to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He emphasized the importance of fortifying the OIC in the future.
The talks also focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors and increasing Turkish investment in Bangladesh. Cultural ties between the two countries were another point of discussion, with Khasru recalling the naming of a Dhaka street after Kamal Ataturk by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Turkey reiterated its interest in further investment in Bangladesh.
In addition to Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP members Salahuddin Ahmed, Humayun Kabir, and Shama Obaid attended the meeting. Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned ongoing talks regarding the establishment of a joint defense industry, indicating continued cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries. The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit to Dhaka, with further discussions with the government anticipated.