What is happening in Turkey?

In the evening of July 15, an unauthorised military mobiliation, out of the chain of command, started in various cities of Turkey, particularly in Ankara and İstanbul. Later on, it was understood that this military mobilisation was a coup attempt. It was launched and conducted by a clique of soldiers from different ranks within the Turkish Armed Forces linked to Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) to overthrow the democratically elected Government of Turkey.

The coup plotters fired at their own people, stabbed their commanders in the back and bombed the Office of the Presidency and Police Headquarters. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which is the main representative of the national will, came under attack for the first time in Turkey's democratic history. The perpetrators also tried to broadcast their message by taking over studios of the state television (TRT) and raiding private media outlets.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım called people to take the streets, squares and airports to defend the democracy, democratic politics, democratic institutions and the Constitution. Turkish people responded to that call by flooding onto the streets and standing against the tanks of the gang of coup plotters. This unique and historic solidarity have foiled the coup attempt. Unfortunately, at least 246 people, including members of the security forces and civilians were martyred in Istanbul and Ankara, and more than 1,500 others were wounded while resisting the coup attempt.

Following the failed coup attempt, all the political parties in the Turkish Parliament displayed solidarity with the elected Government, underlined the indispensability of democratic institutions, supported the national will by issuing a joint declaration during the extraordinary meeting. It is clearly shown that democracy will prevail.

This coup attempt carried out by a faction of plotters in the military, linked to the FETÖ, led by the US based cleric Fethullah Gülen. On July 21, 2016, the Turkish Government declared a three-month valid state of emergency in the whole country to duly investigate and prosecute those suspected to be part of FETÖ, which has dangerous undercover networks not only in the army but also in several state organs. There should be no doubt that the process will be conducted as usual in full respect to fundamental rights and freedoms and the rule of law. The lives of ordinary people will not be affected during the state emergency period.

Bangladesh is one of the nations that have shown solidarity with the people of Turkey after the coup attempt targeted Turkey's democracy. The Turkish President received several phone calls and messages from his counterparts and head of governments around the world, including the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In her written message addressed to President Erdoğan, Prime Minister Hasina condemned the coup attempt, expressed sincere condolences for the people who lost their lives, supported the democratically elected Government and rule of law and extended congratulations to the leadership of the Republic of Turkey for successful intervention on the situation.

We would like to extend our thanks to Bangladeshi brothers and sisters who showed their solidarity and support at the highest level with a message of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The writer is Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of Turkish Embassy. The article is exclusive to The Daily Star.