The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers observed in Bangladesh like elsewhere across the globe in a befitting manner on May 29. The day is observed every year across the world, aiming to underscore the importance of maintaining global peace, pay tribute to those involved in the peacekeeping missions and honor the UN peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives for ensuring global peace.
Different programs were held to observe the day. The day’s program began with “Peacekeepers Day Assembly” arranged by Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar, Dhaka and Air Force Base Zahurul Haque, Chattogram in the morning.
Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lt. General Md Mahfuzur Rahman inaugurated the event by releasing pigeons, balloons and festoons in Dhaka and Major General S M Matiur Rahman, General Commanding Officer (GOC) of 24 Infantry Division, Chattogram, inaugurated the event in Chattogram, said an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) Directorate press release.
Representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Armed Forces, Bangladesh Police, UN agencies and Inter Service Organization, dignitaries, student of different schools and colleges and media personnel took part in the events.
United Nations Information Center (UNIC), in a press release, said, in commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Bangladesh Armed Forces Division (AFD) jointly with Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized an event to honor the fallen and injured peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
President Abdul Hamid spoke on the occasion as chief guest and handed over crests to the injured peacekeepers, and family members of deceased peacekeepers who lost their lives for the cause of world peace and humanity. The UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo delivered a speech on the occasion highlighting the importance of peace missions and contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, especially the female peacekeepers. She paid tribute to the fallen heroes of Bangladesh.
Chiefs of three services, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign affairs, acting chief of Police, senior military officials, UNCT members were present in the event.
More than 1500 participants including Armed Forces, Police and civil officials, ministers, MPs, academicians, civil society members, UN officials, diplomats and senior attended the program.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, marking the occasion.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh is among the countries that contribute the largest number of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
Utmost sincerity along with professionalism of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been playing a vital role in achieving the reputation they enjoy, he said.
In pursuing the country’s diplomatic objectives, the president said, the government has been consistent in upholding the principle of “Friendship to all, malice towards none” as enunciated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The outstanding contribution of our peacekeepers has upheld the image of Bangladesh in the international arena,” Abdul Hamid said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been working relentlessly to establish peace and harmony in various conflict zones in the world.
They are highly praised worldwide for their high standard of professionalism, devoted service, hard work and courage, she said.
“I hope Bangladeshi peacekeepers will contribute more in the future with their highest standard of professionalism, efficiency and sincerity,” she added.