Turkish Airlines backs Baka Half Marathon marking 15 years in Bangladesh

Turkish Airlines supported the Turkish Airlines Baka Half Marathon 2026, held today at Hatirjheel in Dhaka, bringing together around 5,000 participants from Bangladesh and abroad in a celebration of health, fitness, determination and togetherness.

Organised by ActivePulse, a community-driven fitness platform and sports event management organisation, the event was significant for Turkish Airlines as the airline celebrates 15 years of operations in Bangladesh, marking 15 years of connecting Bangladesh with Türkiye and destinations across its global network.

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Islam Gure, general manager of Turkish Airlines, attended the event as the chief guest, according to a press release.

Speaking at the event, Gure highlighted the significance of the airline’s 15-year journey in Bangladesh and its relationship with the country beyond aviation.

“For the past 15 years, we have been connecting Bangladesh with Türkiye and the rest of the world. But for us, it has never been only about flying from one destination to another. It is about connecting people, bringing cultures closer together, building friendships and creating new opportunities,” he said.

Gure also expressed appreciation to government authorities, partners, organisers, volunteers and participants whose support contributed to the success of the event.

Group Captain Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport; İrem Çelik of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Dhaka; Harun Ortaç, chief executive officer of United Aygaz LPG Ltd; Osman Çelik, chief financial officer of Singer Beko Bangladesh; Mohammad Arif Hossain Khan, manager of Turkish Cargo; Semih Kulcu, accounting manager of Turkish Airlines Dhaka; Yusuf Saritac, station manager; and Tanvir Ahmed and Morsaline Ahmmed, founders of ActivePulse, also attended the event.