The Turkish government has honoured the Bangladesh team for their contribution to humanitarian efforts after the powerful earthquake of February 6 that claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan handed over the award at a special ceremony held in Ankara, capital of the country, on Tuesday, ISPR Directorate of Bangladesh confirmed the matter on Wednesday.
In the programme, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “We know who our friends were on the dark day. Personally, but also on behalf of my nation and state, I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for your efforts in the earthquake zone. I would also like to thank all our foreign friends who responded to our call for help.”
The 60-member rescue team led by the Bangladesh Army carried out the post-earthquake rescue operations and assistance in Turkey from February 8.
The team, consisting of Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence and Bangladesh Air Force members conducted the rescue operations in the cities of Adiyaman and Hatay in Turkey. They saved a significant number of people and pulled out bodies from the rubble.
Besides, the team distributed 120 cartons of food and 72 tents among the earthquake-affected people.
In addition, the medical team provided medical care to 104 people and distributed 32 cartons of medicine among them, and provided medical care to earthquake-affected and traumatised patients.
