Maintain Professionalism, Honesty And Friendly Attitude In The World Peacekeeping Operations: PM

"I am urging the members of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police to maintain their existing professionalism, honesty, dedication, courage and friendly attitude in the world peacekeeping operations to further brighten Bangladesh's image in the field," she said.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Bangladesh government's commitment to upgrade the Armed Forces and Police, so that they can operate in the peacekeeping missions more effectively and efficiently.

"I would like to reiterate that our government would continue to undertake all necessary steps to upgrade the Armed Forces and Police, so that they can perform their responsibility in the peacekeeping missions more effectively and efficiently," she said.

She hoped that the peacekeeping activities of Bangladesh would flourish further and the peacekeepers of Bangladesh, with honour and pride, would keep flying its ever-shining national flag around the world.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a function arranged on the occasion of commemoration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre here this morning.

Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh Police organized the event in association with the office of United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh to commemorate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers - 2015.

Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali, senior most peacekeeper of Bangladesh and Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Robert Watkins also spoke on the occasion.

Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral M Farid Habib, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Haque, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and Acting Inspector General of Police Javed Patwary were present at the dais.

Ministers, advisers, parliament members, foreign dignitaries, ex-peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister also exchanged views with the members of the armed forces deployed in peacekeeping operations in Mali and Congo through videoconferencing.

She also handed over the awards to the family members of six peacekeepers who embraced martyrdom during the peacekeeping operations. She also distributed awards among the seven injured peacekeepers.

Earlier, a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect to the memories of those who embraced martyrdom in different countries during the peacekeeping operations.

At the function, a short documentary on the activities of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in different countries was broadcast.

Sheikh Hasina noted that hard work, professionalism, skill and discipline of the peacekeepers have brought back peace and stability in the war-torn countries.

"At the same time they have earned trust and faith of the people of those countries. Despite life at risk they have performed tasks with courage valour, professional skills and competence," she said.

On behalf of all citizens of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister wished them all continued prosperity and success in the field of peacekeeping around the globe.

Pointing out the contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers to establish world peace, the Prime Minister said the nation can confidently say that its peacekeepers have created an outstanding image of Bangladesh and substantiated its stance for the cause of the world peace.

"It has also enhanced the diplomatic ties with our allies, and brought Bangladesh closer to developed nations...our troops in the field, along with our diplomatic moves in the United Nations Headquarters have always fought for lasting peace," she said.

Mentioning that the spirit and the professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are unique, Sheikh Hasina said her government is continuously pursuing to contribute further to the UN peacekeeping missions.

In this connection, she said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have completed participation in 54 missions.

"At present, we have our peacekeepers in 10 missions and recently we have received offer for some key appointments in the Headquarters level in New York and other field missions," she said, adding these are obviously the outcome of the country's robust and intimate diplomacy.

The Prime Minister said members of armed forces and police, by showing their exemplary competence, have earned respect from associating peacekeepers.

"At the same time they have also attained everlasting love from the people of war ravaged countries," she said.

Despite loss of life and property, Sheikh Hasina said, 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 the country's national economy," she said.

Besides peacekeeping, she added, they are also participating in various nation-building activities.

On the occasion of commemoration of United Nations Peacekeepers' Day, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh can rightly be proud of its role in the United Nations.

"We have consistently been one of the largest contributors of troops to the United Nations peacekeeping missions," she said. Sheikh Hasina said there was no hesitation from Bangladesh part to send troops to far flung conflict ridden and dangerous regions of the world under the sponsorship of Security Council Mandate.

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

The Prime Minister expressed her happiness to learn that Bangladesh Armed Forces and police have increased female participation in the peacekeeping effort which is a very good sign for uplifting gender mainstreaming around the world.

"This is also UN's one of the major concerns nowadays. Bangladesh is not lagging in that aspect," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh became the member state of United Nations on 17 September 1974.

Then onwards, she said, Bangladesh is maintaining effective diplomatic relations with friendly countries and pursuing the initiative of the United Nations in promoting global peace.

"In this regard, participation of Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh Police in the United Nations peacekeeping operations is one of the most notable contributions," she added.

At the outset of her speech, the Prime Minister paid homage to the departed souls of the peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of global peace.

"I remember those martyr peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace, and upheld our image in the world community," she said.

As of today, she said, 124 peacekeepers of Bangladesh have embraced martyrdom in various UN peace missions and among them, six peacekeepers embraced martyrdom from June 2014 to May 2015.