DHAKA: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condoled the death of Süleyman Demirel, ninth President of the Republic of Turkey and former Prime Minister of the Government of Turkey.

They expressed their sorrow in separate condolence messages sent to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued on Thursday.

It is with great sorrow that I have learnt the passing away of His Excellency Mr. Süleyman Demirel, ninth President of the Republic of Turkey and former Prime Minister of the Government of Turkey.

In the condolence message, the President said, “On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I express my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to you, and through you, to the bereaved family members of President Demirel and to the people of the Republic of Turkey.” 

“May Allah in His Mercy grant him rest.” Abdul Hamid added.

In another condolence message, the Premier said, “On behalf of the people and the Government of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the brotherly people and the Government of the Republic of Turkey.”
 
“Distinguished leader, President Demirel will always be regarded as a great statesman who had guided Turkey to the greater peace, prosperity and stability,” Sheikh Hasina added.

The Prime Minister further said that Demirel’s death is not only a great loss for the people of Turkey, but Bangladesh also has lost a great friend.

‘Late Turkey President had been our Honourable guest to Bangladesh on two occasions in 1997 and 1999 when the proven friendship between our two countries attained fresh impetus,” the message added.
 
The premier also prayed for the eternal peace of the late President and expressed sympathy to bereaved members of his family as well as the people of Turkey. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Former Turkish president Suleyman Demirel, who once escaped an assassination attempt and went through a military coup, has died of heart failure due to respiratory tract infection at the age of 91.

Born in 1924 into a peasant family in Turkey's Isparta province, Demirel graduated from a 121-year-old high school in Afyon known for producing a number of famous politicians and writers.

At Turkey’s 1965 general election, Demirel's party won an unprecedented 53 percent of the vote, catapulting him into the role of prime minister.

Later in 1975, 1977, and 1979 respectively, he formed governments as prime minister.

During these years, he became famous for a statement of pragmatism: "Yesterday is yesterday, today is today," -- showing his ability to maneuver politically.

BDST: 1546 HRS, JUN 18, 2015
RS/SMS