Turkish PM pays tribute to martyrs of Bangladesh’s war

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Tuesday paid tribute to the martyrs of 1971 Liberation war of Bangladesh in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday.

Yildirim, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday for a two-day official visit, laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs' Memorial.

Stating that it was a “great privilege and honor” for him to be at the monument, Yildirim wrote on memorial book: “On behalf of Turkish people and myself, I’ve found an opportunity to commemorate brave Bengalis, who lost their lives during the War of Independence in 1971.”

“Turkish people will never forget the support of our Bengali brothers during our War of Independence,” he added.

Yildirim also inaugurated a cancer unit at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital constructed by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Later, the premier paid his respects to the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and placed a floral wreath at his portrait at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city.

He will meet Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss Rohingya refugee issue and bilateral trade and investment.

The Turkish premier will visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where thousands of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals have been taking shelter following violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state since Aug. 25.

He is also expected to meet senior government officials to discuss the efforts being undertaken to improve conditions for the significant influx of refugees into Bangladesh.

Yildirim is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Turkey on Wednesday.