Asserting that the Bengali nation has always been peace-loving and committed to establishing peace, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that the Bangladesh Army has been working tirelessly to establish global peace and has today succeeded in establishing itself as a pioneer of UN peacekeeping missions.
He made these remarks in a message delivered on Thursday (May 29) on the occasion of 'International Day of UN Peacekeepers.'
General Waker-Uz-Zaman noted that as one of the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, 'International Day of UN Peacekeepers' holds special significance for Bangladesh. He mentioned that May 29 is celebrated worldwide as 'International Peacekeepers Day' in recognition of the great sacrifices and outstanding contributions of peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions. The Bengali nation has always been peace-loving and committed to establishing peace. The Bangladesh Army has been working tirelessly to establish global peace and has today succeeded in establishing itself as a pioneer of UN peacekeeping missions.
He further stated that since starting its journey in peacekeeping missions in 1988, over 162,035 peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Army have successfully completed duties in 56 peacekeeping missions across 40 locations for more than three decades. Currently, a total of 6,092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 9 peacekeeping missions in various countries worldwide, with approximately 5,000 members of the Bangladesh Army deployed in various peacekeeping missions.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated that the Bangladesh Army's glorious achievements in global peacekeeping today have been made possible through immense sacrifice and perseverance. He added that alongside demonstrating advanced professional qualities in operational duties, members of the Bangladesh Army are always impartial and determined in their responsibilities. For this reason, Bangladesh Army peacekeepers are specially praised and recognized by all, which has significantly enhanced Bangladesh's dignity on the world stage.
The Army Chief mentioned that 131 Bangladesh Army peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in various missions to date, and 241 Bangladesh Army personnel have been injured in various operations. "I recall with deep respect all those brave peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Army who made the ultimate sacrifice in establishing global peace. I pray for the salvation of the departed souls of all fallen members and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. It is through their immeasurable sacrifices that the Bangladesh Army is now established in a highly reputable position on the world stage."
He further claimed that the Bangladesh Army is always ready to tackle the current situation in UN peacekeeping missions. Recently, the Bangladesh Army for the first time deployed three helicopters in a peacekeeping mission in DR Congo, which is a new milestone for the Bangladesh Army. On March 4, the 'Toadera Community Clinic,' built under the overall management of the Bangladesh Army to strengthen the bond of brotherhood in the ongoing peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, was inaugurated, which has further brightened Bangladesh's image globally.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that the Bangladesh Army recently provided explosive disposal vehicles to the Peruvian armed forces for use in peacekeeping missions. Female members of the Bangladesh Army are also participating in peacekeeping missions at a higher rate than before, which has further increased our acceptability in the international arena. Overall, through well-trained and experienced service members, advanced equipment, world-class training, respect for human rights, and high values, the Bangladesh Army has achieved enviable success in gaining the trust of the public and the UN in mission areas.
The Army Chief commented that "we are determined to hand over a peaceful world to the next generation." He extended his sincere greetings, prayers, and best wishes to all Bangladeshi peacekeepers. "I hope that the Army's peacekeepers will tirelessly carry out their duties with professional skill on behalf of humanity in preserving global peace. At the same time, I wish for the success of efforts to establish global peace with the collective participation of all UN members. May Almighty Allah be our helper."
