Round-Table Discussion On ‘Bangladesh In The 21st Century: Reflections On Bangladesh – Turkey Relations’ In Istanbul
UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk : Bangladesh Consulate General in Istanbul in cooperation with the Marmara Group Foundation organized a Round-table Discussion on ‘Bangladesh in the 21st Century: Reflections on Bangladesh – Turkey Relations’ at Istanbul Kadir Has University on 02 November 2017. The program was attended by as many as 35 prominent academicians, think tanks, business elites and media personalities who are widely known as opinion initiators/ builders in Turkish society. Notably the participants included a couple of former cabinet Ministers of Turkey. This event assumed a special significance in view of the fact that it was held at a time when Rohingya issue has generated a great deal of interest among the Turkish people.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M. Allama Siddiki delivered a key note speech in the Discussion. He gave a lucid description of our glorious liberation war leading to the emergence of independent and sovereign Bangladesh under the courageous and visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ambassador Siddiki briefed the audience about the political, societal, demographic and cultural strengths of Bangladesh. Underscoring commonalities being shared by Bangladesh and Turkey, he articulated that Bangladesh and Turkey hold immense potentials to grow and prosper together. He added that Rohingya issue injected a new impetus to the existing bilateral cooperation, bringing us even closer and narrated measures undertaken by the government in addressing this evolving crisis. He admired the people and the leadership of Turkey for their moral, political and humanitarian support.
Consul General Dr. Mohammad Monirul Islam made a presentation, explaining the growing importance and relevance of Bangladesh. Terming Bangladesh as an emerging strategic, economic and connecting hub not only for the region but also for the whole world, he described the fast-paced ongoing infrastructural developments in the Bay of Bengal as well as road, rail and energy connectivity among the countries of the region, with particular reference to BCIM-EC and BBIN. He underlined the impressive economic advancements of Bangladesh, hinting business/ investment possibilities of the country. He also cited the recognitions and achievements of Bangladesh in the international theatre in the areas of poverty alleviation, women empowerment, disaster management, climate change, digitization and innovation and migration.
Dr. Akkan Suver, Chairman of The Marmara Group Foundation said in his welcome remarks that this type of event would certainly facilitate to reduce the gap of understanding between the people of Bangladesh and Turkey. Professor Dr. Mustafa Aydin, Rector of Kadir Has University moderated the session and concluded that the event brought into picture many unknown facts and figures about Bangladesh, undoubtedly enriching the participants.
The event is expected to enhance the level of understanding of Turkish people about Bangladesh, which would eventually contribute towards further deepening Bangladesh-Turkey bilateral relationship and raising profile and image of Bangladesh in Turkey.
