Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Thursday said they seek no cash but “in-kind assistance” like medical and non-medical items along with winter clothes from Bangladesh.

“We have decided not to receive cash assistance but we request everyone to deliver in-kind assistance,” he told reporters in a media briefing at the embassy as his country needs support to cope with the magnitude of the urgent needs of people who are suffering on the ground due to harsh winter conditions in the southeastern region of Turkey struck by earthquakes, reports UNB.

An in-kind contribution is a contribution of a good or a service other than money.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) launched a campaign to receive assistance from Bangladesh.

Ambassador Turan said Bangladeshi citizens are pouring love and support for their Turkish brothers and sisters through their messages. “We will never forget this type of solidarity.”

Turkish Airlines will carry the goods free of cost while the government of Bangladesh will facilitate customs clearances for quick delivery of those assistances, he added.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for coming forward instantly after the earthquake.

More than 17,000 people are now known to have died after Monday's earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria till Thursday.

Without shelter, water, fuel or electricity the World Health Organization fears many survivors could yet lose their lives.    

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul