A total of 219 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been awarded the United Nations (UN) medals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in DR Congo (MONUC) General Babacat Gaye decorated the peacekeepers with medals at a function on July 30, said a UNIC press release in Dhaka yesterday.
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MONUC's Eastern Division General Farukh Bashir, Director of MONUC's Regional Office in Ituri Madam Olamide Adedej, and local Congolese authorities attended the colourful ceremony.
Group Captain Mohammad Harunur Rashid, commander of the Bangladeshi Aviation Unit (BANAIR-5) based in Bunia, thanked the MONUC force commander, military and civilian guests from the United Nations as well as the Congolese authorities for their presence at the ceremony.
Rashid said despite many challenges facing the peacekeepers, the 'Blue Helmets' from Bangladesh Air Force have never hesitated to perform their duties."
General Gaye appreciated the professionalism and dedication of Bangladesh Air Force, which has rendered services in various UN peacekeeping missions.
He said MONUC's aviation unit--from Bangladesh and other countries -have carried out 1,500 flight hours without any major accident. Besides, BANAIR-5 carried out rapid repair of three seriously damaged helicopters.
General Gaye said all components of Bangladesh Air Force have worked very well in their respective fields. "It is their professional integrity, their dedication, their care and commitment for which they deserve the cheers and the recognition of MONUC and the Congolese authorities."
Our Staff Correspondent adds: Inspector General of Police (1GP) Nur Mohammad left for East Timor last night to attend a function where UN Peace Mission medals will be awarded to 193 members of Bangladesh Police.
The 1GP left for Dili, the capital of East Timor, at 11:55pm by a Singapore Airlines flight, according to a press release.
A total of 1,062 policemen have been working in seven UN peacekeeping missions. Of them, 193 are working in East Timor, 160 in Kosovo, 250 in Congo, 24 in Sudan, 165 in Darfur, 17 in Liberia and 253 in Ivory Coast, the press release said.