Perform, professionally
President Abdul Hamid yesterday urged the Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in the UN peacekeeping missions to perform their duties maintaining professionalism, integrity and sincerity.
The President came up with the call while addressing a programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital, commemorating the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
"I do believe the government will continue its efforts so that Bangladeshi peacekeepers can respond more confidently to the UN with necessary equipment," he said.
Noting that Bangladesh is currently one of the largest troop-contributing nations in UN peacekeeping missions, Hamid said the number of female peacekeepers from the armed forces and police is gradually increasing alongside male ones.
He stressed that the representation of female peacekeepers should be increased in the UN missions so that they can ensure the security of women and children, and help ensure women empowerment in the host countries.
"I expect, you [members from army, navy, air force and police working in the UN peacekeeping missions] will work to establish Bangladesh as a peace-loving country by upholding the country's flag in the global arena," the president added.
At the outset of his speech, the president paid tribute to the fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers during UN peacekeeping missions, and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls.
President Hamid also showed respect to Bangladeshi peacekeepers who got injured while discharging duties in different peacekeeping missions.
He said Bangladesh has emerged as a country of peace and communal harmony around the world while Bangladeshi peacekeepers have already attained credibility with their highest standard of professionalism, devotion and bravery.
The president said Bangladesh's strong participation in UN peacekeeping activities and different nation-building efforts has taken the country to a dignified position globally.
Hamid stressed the need for special training for the members of armed forces and police so that they continue their duties in the missions with dignity.
At the function, the president honoured the family members of two deceased peacekeepers, who were killed in UN peace missions, and eight peacekeepers who were injured while performing their duties in the missions.
Later, he talked to the Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in the UN missions in four countries through video conferences.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq and UN Resident Coordinator Robert D Watkins also spoke.
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