Next polls to be held under constitutional provision

"We've been able to put our democratic institutions on firm settings. We've a vibrant parliament, an independent judiciary, an accountable executive and a free press. The people remain at the centre of power," she said in her speech at a banquet hosted in her honour by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the PM's residence.

Khaleda said Bangladesh and Turkey are among the largest democracies in the world having majority Muslim populations. " Our common aspiration is to pursue a path of moderation, tolerance and liberalism. Our common goals are peace, stability and development," she told the Turkish leaders and elite.

On terrorism, she said her government is opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Recently, she said Bangladesh came under attack of a small group of misled militants who wanted to destabilise the country by abusing the good name of Islam. " My government has dealt with the issue in a firm and resolute manner."

Describing her visit to Turkey as truly historic, she said it commemorates 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Ankara.

She said late president Ziaur Rahman's visit to Turkey in 1976 and '78 laid strong foundations of bilateral relations that have grown in strength and dimension over the years.

Khaleda said the naming of an avenue in Ankara will remain as a milestone marking the solidarity and goodwill of the two fraternal peoples.

"Bangladesh's relationship with Turkey is special and unique," she said, adding that national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was greatly inspired by the richness of Turkey's culture as many of his poems and songs are based on Turkish themes and tunes, including the immortal poem 'Kamal Pasha'.

Focusing on international arena, she said as members of the UN, OIC and D-8 Bangladesh and Turkey closely cooperate in all international forums to promote development, peace and stability worldwide.

OIC will gain momentum under the leadership of Turkey in safeguarding the interests of its members, she hoped.

About D-8 summit in Indonesia next month, she expressed her intention to attend the meet at Bali and hoped that the summit would be able to embark on a Plan of Action that will make the forum more focussed and action-oriented.

SHAHEED ZIA AVENUE
Earlier, Khaleda formally inaugurated Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Avenue in Ankara yesterday.

She, flanked by Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan and Mayor in charge of Ankara City unveiled the plaque of the avenue named after late president Ziaur Rahman in the afternoon.

The Presidential Palace of Turkey is located on Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Avenue.