Ankara/10 September 2020: 

BDT 2.26 crore was refunded by Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara at the successful completion of the ‘Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex in Ankara’ Project. The Project which was worth BDT 45 crore 76 lakhs was completed on 3 September, 2020.

Main features of the Complex include Chancery Building, Embassy Residence, 229 seat hi-tech auditorium named ‘Victory 1971’, automated mechanical and electrical systems,masjid, gymnasium, display centre for Bangladeshi items, library for the reference books on Bangladesh primarily on Bangabandhu, War of Independence and socio-economic development of Bangladesh. As reflection of Bangladesh’s history of independence, Bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Shaheed Minar were also installed at the Complex. Moreover, 36 sqm mural works titled ‘Invincible Bangladesh’ as well as terracotta works on the rural life of Bangladesh was also placed at the Complex. Refection of the aura of Bangladeshi architecture was ensured by the use of red bricks in the façade of the buildings and use of flat roof.

A Protocol between Bangladesh and Turkey on Exchange of Land Plots for Diplomatic Missions was signed in Dhaka at the level of the Foreign Minister on 14 November 2010. The Protocol paved the way for acquisition of land plots mutually exchanged between the two countries for construction of diplomatic missions in their respective capitals. Later, in 2012, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the ‘Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex in Ankara’ Project and the Bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the site at Oran Diplomatic Zone, Ankara, Turkey during her visit to Turkey in 2012.

The implementation of the Project received a renewed boost after M. AllamaSiddiki, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Turkey and current Project Director took charge of the Mission at the end of 2015.The much awaited ground breakingfor the construction was done on 18 September 2018.

After the ground breaking, the construction was going on in full swing promising to end 05 months before the stipulated completion deadline of 18 months i.e. 11 March, 2020. However, the construction suffered heavily due to snowfalls in two winters, and later on, the current COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the Embassy could manage to complete the construction within 20 months of the ground breaking-02 months more than the completion deadline.

The newly-constructed Chancery Complex is scheduled to be virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 14 September 2020. Foreign Minister of BangladeshDr. A. K. Abdul Momen, M.P. and Foreign Minister of Turkey MevlütÇavuşoğluexpected to remain present at the Complex during virtual inauguration.