On the evening of July 15, 2016, the ''Fethullahist Terrorist Organization'' (FETO) launched a bloody coup attempt against the people and the government of the Republic of Türkiye.
Fethullah Gülen and his disciples were behind this coup attempt. FETO affiliated army units left their barracks to occupy key locations, fighter jets and attack helicopters bombed strategic targets including the Parliament, Presidential compound, army and police headquarters.
Our citizens from all backgrounds and political views took to the streets to stop this unprecedented heinous coup attempt. On that night, the Turkish people defended democracy with their lives. The plotters killed 253 innocent civilians and left thousands injured.
FETO, under the guise of promoting education and inter-religious dialogue, managed to cover its malign intentions for many years.
The disciples of Gülen believed that he is the ''Messiah'' and their loyalty is to him only, making them violate any legal, religious or ethical codes in order to advance the vicious interests of this group.
To conceal its sinister and heinous agenda, Gülen has formed a broad network of schools, NGO's and businesses operating not only in Türkiye, but also in many countries.
Terrorist organization FETO poses a threat not only to Türkiye but also other countries in which it is active. In many countries, terrorist organisation FETO-linked entities have been banned and their members expelled. Many schools affiliated with this terrorist organization abroad have been transferred to the Turkish Maarif Foundation after 2016.
FETO is recognized as a terrorist organization by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
The heinous coup attempt of 15 July 2016 is the worst act of terrorism in the history of the Republic of Türkiye.
15 July is observed as the Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkiye. On the 10th anniversary of this day, I pay tribute to our martyrs who defended democracy against terrorist organization FETO and express my gratitude to the veterans of 15 July.
Ramis Şen is the Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh