The earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria has been a tragedy of the greatest proportions.
Even though the death toll now officially above 24,000 and the harsh winter compounding the sufferings of those who have managed to miraculously survive, it is still heartening to see the whole world slowly come together and help the people of the two affected nations get back on their feet.
Equally heartening is to know that our nation, Bangladesh, is now also a major part of the rescue operations, as the Bangladeshi rescue team that was sent to the earthquake-hit Turkey has saved a 17-year-old girl who was trapped under rubble and has also been working towards extracting the bodies of the deceased from the affected areas.
All of this in addition to the humanitarian aid and necessary supplies, such as tents, blankets, sweaters, dry food, and medicine, that we are set to send over to Syria.
It is a testament to how far we have come as a nation that we are now capable of offering help to other nations after great moments of tragedy, as it was not too long ago that Bangladesh itself was suffering from a historical famine that took innumerable lives only a few short years after our bloody war for liberation.
Indeed, this is how you act as a true citizen of the world.
But, for now, we all need to turn our collective attention to those suffering in Turkey and Syria. There are still far too many who are in need of assistance and relief material and official government response can only go so far.
As our readers, we implore you to contact the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency and donate any form of winter clothing or other material such as tents, mattresses, blankets, and searching equipment such as flashlights and power-banks.
