‘Turkey keen to engage new govt after polls’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said Turkey has expressed its eagerness to work closely with the new government that will emerge in Bangladesh following the upcoming national election.
He made the remarks after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and visiting Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister A. Beris Ekinci at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.
The hour-long meeting focused on bilateral relations, trade, investment, and the forthcoming national election.
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen was also present at the discussion, along with BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, Acting Chairman’s Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said Bangladesh and Turkey enjoy a historic friendship that dates back to the tenure of President Ziaur Rahman. “Both nations have long worked together in the OIC, and we discussed ways to deepen that cooperation in the coming years,” he noted.
He added that both sides emphasised expanding collaboration in various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. “Turkey has shown keen interest in boosting its investments in Bangladesh. We also discussed revitalising the Turkey-Bangladesh Chamber to help facilitate this goal,” Khosru said.
Regarding the upcoming polls, Khosru said, “The election issue naturally came up during the talks. Like others, Turkey is closely observing the process and looks forward to engaging with the new government that will be formed after the election.”
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Turkey has proposed establishing a joint defence industry with Bangladesh. “Their government is already holding discussions with Dhaka on this matter, and we have expressed our readiness to continue cooperation in that field,” he mentioned.
The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day for a two-day official visit.