Ex-Turkish envoy to Bangladesh missing since earthquake

The immediate-past Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh, who was posted in one of the affected provinces, remains missing soon after a deadly earthquake hit there, said current envoy Mustafa Osman Turan today.

"Unfortunately, we don't have any information about him," he said, seeking prayers for his quick rescue.

In a media briefing at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka, he expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for coming forward after the earthquakes.

The next one or two days will be crucial to saving more lives, as his country is struggling to overcome the enormous challenges of being hit by twin earthquakes and many aftershocks, said Turan.

The Turkish ambassador said they are not interested to receive cash support but winter clothes and medicines and other materials are preferred from Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi government sent a search and rescue team by a military aircraft last night and declared a day of national mourning with flags lowered at half-mast on all government premises for Thursday.

"This is a gesture we will not forget. There is an outpouring of support and solidarity by the people of Bangladesh on social media too," said the ambassador.