Dhaka ready to offer more peacekeepers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there was no hesitation on Bangladesh part to send its troops to conflict-ridden and dangerous regions of the world under the sponsorship of the United Nations Security Council Mandate.

Hasina also said all necessary steps would be taken to upgrade the armed forces and police so that they could respond to the UN call with all necessary equipment more effectively, confidently and efficiently.

She said Bangladesh currently has its peacekeepers in 10 missions. "Recently, we've received offer for some key appointments at the [UN] headquarters level in New York and other field missions. These are obviously the outcome of our robust and intimate diplomacy."

The PM was addressing a function commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2015 held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.

Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh Police in association with the office of UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh organised the programme.

“I'll make a clarion call to all members of the armed forces and Bangladesh Police and other peacekeepers to maintain their professionalism, honesty, dedication, courage and friendly attitude in the peacekeeping operations," Hasina said.

"It's our expectations that you [peacekeepers] would establish Bangladesh as a strong peace establishing-country in the world and uphold its flag on the global stage. We want to build Bangladesh as a peaceful and dignified country in South Asia," she said.

According to a latest release of the UN, 1,07,805 peacekeepers of 122 countries are now deployed across the world. Of them, 9,593, including 205 female peacekeepers, are from Bangladesh.

“Despite the loss of lives and property, the professionalism, dedication, courage and friendly attitude of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are praised in entire peacekeepers' community, and they are often referred as model peacekeepers.

“Moreover, earnings from their salary and reimbursement bring a huge amount of foreign currency as remittance that boosts our national economy,” the PM said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consoles family members of personnel of Bangladesh's security forces who were killed while serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad. The photo was taken at a programme in the capital's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre yesterday marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2015. Photo: Banglar Chokh

Hasina also remembered those martyred peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives for peace.

The premier said the hard work, professionalism, skill and discipline of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers had brought back peace and stability in the war-torn countries.

Ministers, foreign dignitaries, chief of naval staff, air force chief, members of parliament and ex-peacekeepers from army, navy, air force and police, among others, were present on the occasion.