International UN Peacekeeping Day today
Unb, Dhaka
The International United Nations Peacekeeping Day will be observed today with due solemnity and acclamation of the forces policing peace in different troubled corners of the world.Bangladesh is joining other nations in observing the day for the first time this year, although the day has been observed across the globe since 2002. President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, chiefs of the three services, the Inspector General of Police and the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh gave separate messages on the occasion, said an ISPR release. Bangladesh Armed Forces have chalked out different programmes to mark the occasion, which bears a great importance for the country as it is the highest contributor to the UN peacekeeping force. The day's programme will begin with 'peacekeepers run' that will be inaugurated by Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman at 6.30am. Fakhruddin will later lay the foundation stone of 'Peace Monument' at the southwest corner of the National Parade Square at 3:00pm. A reception to nearest keens to fallen peacekeepers and retired injured peacekeepers will be arranged at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at 3.30pm. Chief Adviser will attend the ceremony as the chief guest. Present among others will be advisers of the caretaker government, Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S M Ziaur Rahman, Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad, media personalities and high civil and military officials. Besides, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Renata Dessallien will attend the ceremony. On the occasion, a theme song and a documentary on UN peacekeeping operations will be telecast on television channels, while national dailies will publish special supplements. In his message, Iajuddin said, "Our peacekeepers have elevated the image of Bangladesh in the international arena by displaying a very high standard of professionalism, dedication, sincerity and courage." Fakhruddin paid his "highest respects to those who have sacrificed their lives for restoring peace and stability in strife-torn countries and regions".
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