Bangladesh News Bangladesh In United Nations Peacekeeping

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Otokar Cobra-2 LAVs of Bangladesh Army somewhere in Africa under UNPKO

PC- H M Sohel

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DHAKA, Bangladesh

Some 861 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces were awarded UN medals Wednesday for their excellent protection of civilians work for the people of South Sudan.

Of the total, 19 were female peacekeepers.

The troops, who are serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), received the medals during a ceremony, UNMISS said on its official Twitter account, adding the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been carrying out their mission in the cities of Wau and Kuajok.

“Take a bow, #Bangladesh! No less than 861 of your troops, including 19 women, have received @UN medals for excellent protection of civilians work for #UNMISS and the people of #SouthSudan. For the last year, they have been based in Wau and Kuajok. Congratulations!" it said.

“Bangladesh is currently the top-most peacekeeping member-providing nation in the world, serving eight missions in seven countries. And currently, about 6,850 armed force members including army and police personnel are in those missions,” said Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Director Lt Col Abdullah Ibn Zaid.

“Bangladeshi armed forces members received the awards as recognition for their service which has glorified Bangladesh before the rest of the world as a contributor to the world's peace process,” he told Anadolu Agency.

According to the UN, the South Asian nation first deployed uniformed personnel to serve with the organization in 1988, when they were sent to help monitor an armistice between Iran and Iraq.

 

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FRANCESCA MOLD

Across South Sudan, communities are struggling to recover in the aftermath of five years of civil war.
The conflict not only devastated families but it also destroyed vital infrastructure. The climate creates ongoing challenges in the midst of efforts to rebuild with heavy flooding during the rainy season wiping out many roads, making them impassable. This affects the transportation of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities as well as food and other goods destined for local markets.

A contingent of Bangladeshi engineers has done its best to improve that situation by rebuilding and repairing more than 400 kilometers of roads in the past year, providing a lifeline between the capital Juba and outlying towns.

“Your work has made a huge difference to people’s lives,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer. “You’ve enabled trade and, also supported efforts to build peace because people are now able to travel to meet each other to reconcile, build trust and a better future for South Sudan.”
At a special ceremony in Juba, the 258-strong contingent was awarded the prestigious United Nations medal for their contribution. In addition to the work they have done for the people of South Sudan, the troops were praised for their efforts to support the Mission itself by constructing perimeter fencing to provide security in compounds, oxidation ponds, and waste-water treatment plants.

“With all these untiring efforts, Bangladesh has proved its dedication to world peace,” said Bangladesh Senior National Officer, Brigadier General Taef Ul Haq. “I firmly reiterate our commitment to peacekeeping operations and assure you that Bangladeshi peacekeepers will do their best for the greater interest of world peace.”
Since first deploying peacekeepers in 1988, Bangladesh has served in 54 peacekeeping operations in 40 countries. It currently has almost 7000 peacekeepers serving in eight missions and 118 troops have paid the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives while serving the cause of peace under the UN flag.

“Bangladesh engineers are, and will always be, the pride of the UNMISS force. I compliment them on their contribution and unmatched dedication,” said UNMISS Force Commander, Shailesh Tinaiker.

 
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Ituri, DRC: On 13 Nov 20, during Force Commander’s visit to Northern Sector he observed the demonstration of Air Mobile Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Female Engagement Team (FET) of BANRDB to appreciate their degree of preparation regarding PoC.

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People in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, love good roads. So do the peacekeepers who repair them. Photos: Martin Siba/UNMISS

MARTIN SIBA

Trade in Yambio is expected to receive a boost soon, thanks to the rehabilitation work currently ongoing on a nine-kilometer feeder road within the Western Equatorian town.
The repairs are being undertaken by Bangladeshi engineers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

“Compared to the massive repairs undertaken by the mission’s engineers on main supply routes across South Sudan, this is a smaller project. It aims to help local communities living in Yambio,” says Christopher Murenga, Head of the mission’s Field Office in the state.

“As peacekeepers deployed to Western Equatoria State, we are part of the social fabric in Yambio and are very conversant with the daily struggles that people go through here, especially farmers and traders, who need to be able to travel from one place to another,” he elaborates.
Market access for farm produce, therefore, is one of the key areas that this initiative addresses.

Wilson Ragoyo, a trader who plies his wares at the town’s local market, looks forward to the completion of the repair work, in about a month’s time.
“Good roads are a trader’s lifeblood,” states Wilson. “Often, by the time I’m able to get my wares to the market, it’s very late. My business has suffered a lot because transport is so difficult when road conditions are poor.”

“I hope UNMISS extends its rehabilitation plans to roads connecting Tambura, Mundri and Mvolo as well,” he adds.
Wilson’s wishes are echoed by Mr. Murenga. “We are working to find partners so that we are able to thoroughly repair all local roads,” he reveals. “Western Equatoria is the breadbasket, so to speak, for South Sudan. We’re all aware that farm produce has a very limited shelf life. Improving roads here will provide a much-needed economic boost to the state.”

Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the state Governor, agrees. “We are hopeful that UNMISS will conduct more local-level road repairs to make sure that citizens can reap the benefits of unfettered access, because roads here haven’t been maintained since 2010.”
Perhaps the simplest and most evocative endorsement for the peacekeeping mission’s initiative came from Emmanuel Gbatasuwe a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) rider in Yambio.

“I am really happy because I often transport people who are sick and need medical care. Better roads will help me make sure that these customers get the help they need on time.”

 

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Dhaka, May 18:- Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, BBP, OSP, ndu, psc is in United States of America on an official visit. As part of the visit, Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force discussed on various issues related to UN peacekeeping missions of Bangladesh Air Force with the UN Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Peace Operations Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare on 17 May 2021.

They exchanged views on various important issues including increasing manpower and air assets of Bangladesh Air Force, vaccination of peacekeepers, deployment of modern C-130J transport aircraft and increasing participation of women peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions. During the meeting with the Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, the High Officials of UN Headquarters expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission and highly appreciated the professionalism of the members of Bangladesh Air Force deployed in UN peacekeeping mission especially in COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides, Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force visited the aviation company Lockheed Martin where he flew simulator of F-16 aircraft.

 

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Bangladesh Army’s Rapidly Deployable Battalion (BANRDB-4) engaged in a UN peacekeeping mission in the eastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) conducted a successful operation to protect the residents of Lenga village from being attacked by CODECO militia on Sunday.

After receiving information about the looting and arson of the CODECO militia, the peacekeepers patrol team of BANRDB-4 rushed to the spot along with the armored vehicle and the militia started firing at the Bangladeshi peacekeepers patrol team.

In response, the patrols of BANRDB-4 bravely retaliated against the militia forces. The militia was forced to leave the village in the face of strong resistance from Bangladesh peacekeepers.

At that time, the peacekeepers rescued a local man in an injured condition and admitted him to the local hospital after minor surgery. Later the team recovered the body of a local man who had been shot dead by the militia.

No casualties were reported from the Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers patrolling team.


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Bangladesh Army's Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque has been appointed as the Chief of Staff at the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations (DPO), at the United Nations Headquarters.

During the visit to the United States in February this year, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed, met with various dignitaries including UN Under Secretary General.

During the meeting, he requested for sending more contingents from Bangladesh to the UN mission and appointing more officers from the Bangladesh Army to various higher and important posts at the UN headquarters.

The senior leadership of the United Nations expressed a positive commitment in this regard and as a result, an officer of the rank of Brigadier General of Bangladesh Army has been appointed to this important post at the UN Headquarters.

It is to be noted that there has been no opportunity or request for appointment of any officer from Bangladesh for this post which has been achieved by Bangladesh for the first time only at the request of the Chief of Army Staff.

This is one of the key appointments at the UN Headquarters and is a matter of great honour for Bangladesh. It is to be noted that these appointments are selected through a fierce competition among the nominated candidates from different troops contributing countries.

Brigadier General Nazmul is the first Bangladeshi military officer to be appointed to such a high and important post at the UN headquarters. Shortly after the Army Chief's visit to the United States, an officer of the rank of Brigadier General (Brigadier General Manzur) of Bangladesh Army was appointed to the post of Sector Commander in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

In addition, 20 additional appointments have been made to the United Nations as military observers and staff officers.

The Army Chief's visit to the United States has opened the door to unprecedented possibilities for Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping missions.

During the visit, he proposed for the Central African Republic (CAR) to further increase the manpower of Bangladeshi peacekeepers and their deployment is ongoing.

The CAR has already received a final proposal to upgrade Bangladesh Contingent's Level-1 Hospital to Level-2 Hospital with an increase of 50 personnel from Bangladesh Special Forces Company (BANSFC) and Light Quick Reaction Force (LQRF).

There is also a possibility of deploying Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Bridge Engineer Company of Bangladesh Army in this same mission. Bangladesh has also received a proposal from the United States to deploy a special force comprising United States and Bangladesh to CAR.

The army chief has promised to deploy a strong quick reaction force and an aviation unit to the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, which will be deployed soon.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR) has a six-member Aeromedic Evacuation Team (AMET) and 13 additional military police personnel upon request from UN HQ.

At present, 15 contingents of Bangladesh have been included in the United Nations Capability Readiness System (UNPCRS), which has created opportunities for the deployment of new contingents in UN peacekeeping missions. Evaluation of these contingents and advisory inspection activities are underway by the UN delegation. Two contingents have already been deemed eligible as UNPCRS, Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) and are receiving 25% maintenance reimbursement from their position in Bangladesh.

The army chief has decided to increase the number of women peacekeepers at the UN from 1.91% to 6% this year. Notably, Bangladesh Contingent's female engagement team in South Sudan has received praise from the Force Commander for their unique contributions.

During his visit to the United States, General Aziz also discussed with the senior leadership of the United Nations the issue of payment of long-term arrears. As a result, a significant amount of outstanding reimbursement has recently been paid by the United Nations. Besides, four contingents of Bangladesh engaged in Mali are getting risk premium.

Due to the tireless initiative of the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, General Aziz is the first country to ensure that all peacekeepers are vaccinated before being deployed to UN missions and those who have already been deployed in various missions are being vaccinated under UN supervision.

It may be mentioned that Bangladesh is currently serving as the top peacekeeper in Nine(09) different UN peacekeeping missions around the globe.

 

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The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday

The United Nations (UN) will honour eight fallen peacekeepers from Bangladesh to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten, according to a press release from the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Dhaka.

Guterres will preside over a ceremony at which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be awarded posthumously to 129 military, police and civilian peacekeepers, including the eight from Bangladesh.

They lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year and in the first month of this year, said the release.

Guterres will lay a wreath to honour more than 4,000 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

The fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers are Abdul Md Halim who served with MINUSMA; Lance Corporal Md Abdulla Al Mamun and Sgt Mohammad Ibrahim who served with UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Sgt Md Mobarak Hussain, Lt Col Md Saiful ISLAM, Md Saiful Imam Bhuiyan and Sgt Md Ziaur RAHMAN who were deployed with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); and Washerman Nurul AMIN of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Bangladesh is the largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping.

It currently deploys more than 6,600 military and police personnel to the UN operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Mali, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.

In a message to mark the Day, the UN secretary-general said: “I express my deep gratitude to the 85,000 civilian, police and military personnel currently deployed in some of the world’s most challenging hotspots to protect the vulnerable and help to build peace.

The theme for this year’s observance is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security.”

 

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