Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen on Wednesday paid tribute to the martyrs who defended democracy during the failed coup attempt in Türkiye on July 15, 2016.

The Embassy of Türkiye in Dhaka hosted an event marking the 10th Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkiye to commemorate with respect their heroes and martyrs who protected democracy during the heinous coup attempt.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, among others, joined the event.

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The Turkish ambassador said July 15 is observed as the Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkiye in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives to defeat the failed coup attempt orchestrated by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO).

"On the 10th anniversary of this day, I pay tribute to our martyrs who defended democracy against the terrorist organisation FETO and express my gratitude to the veterans," he said in a statement.

The ambassador recalled that on the evening of July 15, 2016, FETO launched what he described as a bloody coup attempt against the people and the government of the Republic of Türkiye.

He said Fethullah Gülen and his followers were behind the plot, during which FETO-affiliated military units attempted to seize key installations while fighter jets and attack helicopters bombed strategic targets, including the Turkish Parliament, the Presidential Complex and army and police headquarters.

Ramis Şen said citizens from all walks of life and across the political spectrum took to the streets to resist the coup attempt and defend democracy.

"On that night, the Turkish people defended democracy with their lives. The plotters killed 253 innocent civilians and left thousands injured," he said.

The ambassador said FETO had concealed its intentions for years under the guise of promoting education and inter-religious dialogue.

He said the organisation had established an extensive network of schools, non-governmental organisations and businesses both in Türkiye and abroad to hide its activities.

"Terrorist organisation FETO poses a threat not only to Türkiye but also to other countries in which it is active," Ramis Şen said.

He noted that many countries have banned FETO-linked entities and expelled their members, while numerous schools affiliated with the organisation abroad have been transferred to the Turkish Maarif Foundation since 2016.

Describing the failed coup attempt as the worst act of terrorism in the history of the Republic of Türkiye, the ambassador reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to safeguarding democracy and national unity.