Another special Turkish cargo flight left Dhaka, Bangladesh, late Friday, bringing 70 tons of relief supplies for earthquake victims in Turkey.
According to official sources, this is the seventh Turkish special cargo flight carrying relief materials provided by Bangladeshis and their government to Turks.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TKA) began accepting donations in Bangladesh on February 8 – the second day after the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey, killing over 46,000 people and hurting millions.
The 7.7- and 7.6-magnitude earthquakes shook numerous neighboring countries and wreaked havoc in northern Syria, killing almost 3,500 people, according to officials.
Almost 500 tons of humanitarian commodities were airlifted to Turkey from Bangladesh as friendly gifts to their Turkish brothers and sisters who are always in favor of Bangladesh in any crisis situation and to help persecuted Rohingya refugees housed in Bangladesh’s southern border province of Cox’s Bazar.
According to TIKA, the flight on Friday brought 400 tents, 300 beds (mattresses), 300 sleeping bags, and 700 blankets.
The package was met at the airport by Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen and TIKA Bangladesh Coordinator Sevki Mert Baris.
They thanked the Bangladeshi people and the administration for their unwavering support.
“I’d like to express my appreciation to our Bangladeshi sisters and brothers from all walks of life. They have once again demonstrated their love for Turkey “Anadolu was informed by Baris.
He cited dayslong gatherings of Bangladeshis with donations at TIKA’s offices in Dhaka as an example of unity and support to heal the scars of the earthquakes.
“Thousands of individuals came to TIKA’s office, bringing not only needed things, but also their tears and emotions. Witnessing this was really stunning and touching for us, and it was the most memorable experience of our lives “He stated.
Bangladeshis are also interested in donating money to earthquake victims via a banking channel.
According to sources, the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka is awaiting authorisation from the Bangladesh government to open a bank account.