DHAKA, Oct 30, 2023 (BSS) - Turkish embassy here has celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic with enthusiasm, expressing gratitude and paying tribute to its founding leader, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 

To mark the Centennial of the Republic of Turkiye, the embassy hosted an event at a city hotel on Sunday bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Turkish Republic Day is being celebrated since 1925 on October 29, the day, when Ataturk formally announced the new regime of Turkiye, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the War of Independence led by the late leader. Subsequently, Ataturk was elected as the first president of Turkey. 

Bangladesh Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq graced the occasion as the chief guest while Planning Minister M A Mannan, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen, his wife Juhal Sen, parliament members, diplomats from different countries stationed here joined the program, among others. 

In his speech, Anisul Huq said the relations between Bangladesh and Turkey were deep rooted in the history. 

Back in the 13th century, a good number of Turkish people started living in undivided Bengal, fostering a profound mutual understanding between the people of both countries, he said.

"This long acquaintance has contributed to strong bilateral ties...people welcomed and accommodated each other with passion, sincerity and hospitality", he added.

Huq said the mutual desire to take the relationships to a higher level is also an aspiration for Bangladesh as President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended the swearing-in ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in June last. 

He also thanked the Turkish government for extending moral, political and humanitarian support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue. 

In his remarks, the Turkish ambassador underlined the strong and deep relations between Bangladesh and Turkey, saying, "We are committed to enhancing and diversifying the bilateral relations". 

He said the direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Istanbul is making a great contribution to the bilateral relations.

He also said his government aims to elevate bilateral trade to 1.2 billion USD. 

The envoy also reiterated his gratitude to the Bangladesh people and government for enormous support during the earthquake that struck Turkey on February 06, 2023. 

He mentioned that in February next year, Bangladesh and Turkey will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

At the event, the ambassador read out a message from Turkish President.