Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Wednesday said holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh is not an issue for foreigners but it depends entirely on Bangladesh and its people. “It’s only for Bangladesh to decide whether the election will be free and fair, not for the foreigners,” he said while speaking at a “Meet the Ambassador” programme in a Dhaka hotel. Referring to election related comments made by the Awami League and BNP representatives at the event, the Turkish ambassador said political parties need to sit down and talk to each other to address their differences, and that the government alone cannot solve all the issues. “I understand your positions. I think instead of sharing your views with me, you should sit down and talk to each other. That’s what I am suggesting,” he said in a smiling mood that spread among the audience, too. Also read: It’s my strong hope to see free, fair election in Bangladesh: Ambassador Naoki Earlier, Nurjahan Begum Mukta, a former AL lawmaker, wanted to know whether he will force any party to join in the election if it does not come to the election in his own country. The envoy said there must be willingness to make an election that works for the benefit of the country. “I know there are issues which can be addressed.” The ambassador said they are hoping that the government of Bangladesh will live up to the expectation of all people. “I think the next 5-10 years will be much brighter for Bangladesh if it can hold the next national election in line with the people’s expectation,” he said. The envoy said he sees both the government and the election commission are trying to do their best to create a possibility of participation for the opposition parties in the election. Because, he said, it will be a missed opportunity for Bangladesh to have a free and fair election without participation of the opposition parties. The Turkish envoy said what is happening in Bangladesh is something that the people of Bangladesh will have to deal with. He said Bangladesh-Turkey relationship is long-term in nature and it is based on solid collaboration and partnership. Also read: EC holding votes in local government bodies across Bangladesh The ambassador said relations between Bangladesh and Turkey are based on trust and they look forward to broadening partnership with Bangladesh. “We are always with the people of Bangladesh in their good and bad times.” Responding to a question, Ambassador Turan said they see Bangladesh as a “trustworthy manufacturing hub”, and it is going to be their prominent partner in the region. The envoy said Turkey plans to diversify their trade and investment in Bangladesh. Asked about Turkish plans to develop strategic relations with Bangladesh, he said the plans should be mutually agreed upon. Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of the Centre for Governance Studies, moderated the programme. Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) hosted the event in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has called for investment in joint ventures in the apparel and textile industries in Bangladesh and his country. The envoy paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Sunday. They discussed various issues, including potential areas for enhancing trade and investment between Bangladesh and Turkey. Faruque said there are many opportunities for Bangladesh and Turkey to complement each other on issues related to mutual interests, particularly in boosting the apparel and textile businesses. Read: Envoy urges BGMEA to consider setting up joint ventures in Egypt Turan and Faruque also expressed interest in facilitating sharing of knowledge and expertise in the apparel and textile industries through collaboration between the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology and leading Turkish fashion institutes. Interactions between designers and technical experts through the exchange of faculties and students will help develop knowledge and skills and benefit both countries, they said. BGMEA First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice-President Miran Ali; directors Asif Ashraf, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on ILO issue ANM Saifuddin were also present at the meeting.  

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said Bangladesh and Turkey are looking to a “brighter future” with vast areas of cooperation and there is a room for the two countries to make their own influence for the betterment of international relations. While delivering his keynote speech at Cosmos Dialogue held virtually, the Turkish envoy said they are actually collaborating with all the great powers that are pursuing certain policies but they have no attachment to any of the sides. “So, I think that provides us with a neutral position and a reliable partnership possibility with Bangladesh. And I’m particularly pleased to see the benefits of this position in our defence cooperation,” said Ambassador Turan. Also read: Bangabandhu’s bust unveiled in Ankara as Bangladesh-Turkey ties deepen Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Turkey Relations: Prognosis for the Future” as part of its ongoing Ambassadors' Lecture Series. The opening remarks were delivered by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Sunday said the only solution to Rohingya crisis is their repatriation to their place of origin in Myanmar.

The envoys of Turkey, China and India to Bangladesh have highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Thursday recognised the enormous opportunities that Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) offers to partners and to move bilateral relations forward.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said Chittagong Port, historic gateway to Bangladesh, presents many opportunities for Turkish companies to invest. 

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demonstrated true leadership by allowing shelter to over 700 thousand Rohingyas with a decent living condition.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said his country eyes an increased investment in Bangladesh with a significant jump in bilateral trade volume through product diversification as Bangladesh’s economy is growing fast.