Bangladesh embassy in Ankara marks Armed Forces Day

By Davut Demircan

ANKARA (AA) - The defense attache of the Bangladeshi mission in Turkey on Thursday hosted a reception in Ankara to mark the 48th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh.

Underlining that Dhaka has been procuring military hardware from Turkey "for many years", Brig. Gen. Md. Tariqul Alam said Turkish-made equipment used by the Bangladeshi armed forces were "functioning effectively" in various UN peacekeeping missions.

"We have a tremendous force to be proud of a nation is grateful to its armed forces for the valiant role in 1971 and also beyond 1971 whenever the nation needs them," said Bangladesh's Ambassador to Turkey M. Allama Siddiki, referring the country Liberation War.

He added the Bangladesh was cooperating very closely with Turkey in many areas and that relations were growing in every way possible.

"We had the fifth Joint Economic Commission meeting in Ankara yesterday, which was led by Turkish honorable Minister for Culture and Tourism and our honorable Minister of Finance of Bangladesh," he said.

The reception was attended by Turkish Air Force Commander Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz as well as other officials from the Turkish armed forces and many military attaches from various countries, defense industry executives and diplomatic officials.

Addressing the reception, Kucukakyuz said relations between Turkey and Bangladesh had strong historical and cultural roots dating back before the foundation of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

"We, Turkish people will never forget the support given by the Bangladeshi people during our independence war," he added.

Bangladesh has been celebrating the Armed Forces Day every year on Nov. 21 to mark the founding of its army, navy and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.