Turkey initiates ‘Tour for Social Goods’ in Bangladesh

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - The Turkish Embassy in Dhaka initiated a social program Thursday to support residents in arranging volunteer health camps and promote “safe travels” during the pandemic with the involvement of youth.

Tour for Social Goods is the latest initiative from the Turkish mission in consultation with the Information and Communication Technology Division while Robi, a local mobile phone operator, and Bloodman, a voluntary group, are partners.

Turkey's Ambassador to Dhaka Mustafa Osman Turan inaugurated the event. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Bangladesh's state minister for information and communication technology (ICT), also addressed the function at the newly built Turkish Embassy building.

It was the first-ever meeting in the building held on the 97th Republic Day of Turkey. The Turksih foreign minister is expected to officially inaugurate the building later this year with a visit to Dhaka.

The social initiative will run health camps and free medicine will be provided in six areas in Bangladesh. Residents in remote areas will be covered by telemedicine services.

Those in remote areas will also be able to avail drinking water.

Safe travel will be encouraged to engage the youth in social activities, the ambassador said.

“Bangladesh is a very vibrant and very active place,” said Osman. “Bangladesh is not only one of the largest hubs for the readymade garment sector but Bangladesh is also the second largest supplier of freelancers in the ICT sector in the world.”

Palak highlighted several areas with huge possibilities and potential in Bangladesh for foreign investors, including the ICT sector.

He praised Turkey's stance and support in the Rohingya crisis.