PERMANENT MISSION OF BANGLADESH TO THE UNITED NATIONS Diplomat Center, 820 2nd Avenue (4th floor), New York, NY 10017 Tel: (212) 867-3434 Fax: (212) 972-4038 E-mail: [email protected] 08 Web site: www.un.int/bangladesh
New York, 08 April 2016 :
In pursuance of the global peace and security as reflected in the Constitution of Bangladesh which was framed by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism and extremism, country’s Armed Forces and Police Forces have been taking part in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations around the globe.
This was again echoed at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh here today while a 26 member delegation from US Army War College headed by Colonel Mark Howitz visited the Mission.
At the opening remarks, the Permanent Representative Masud Bin Momen said, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his maiden speech at the United Nations laid out the foundation of foreign policy, that is, “Friendship to all, malice to none”.
Imbued with the policy, Bangladesh is engaged with the international community to further the cause of multilaterism in addition to strengthening the bilateral relations with our neighboring countries and developing partners including the US. The multi-faceted cooperation of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the US is also growing, he observed.
Highlighting the achievements made by the present government, the PR said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is marching forward with the support and co-operation of the international community. The economy and the democracy of the country has been strengthened and contribution to international peace and security has been increased.
Prime Minister remains champion of women empowerment and climate change related issues. Her Government’s zero tolerance policy on all forms of extremism remains an important cornerstone of our strategy to combat the scourge of terrorism, he added.
The Defence Adviser of the Permanent Mission Brig. General A K M Akhtaruzzaman, ndc, psc made a power point presentation and highlighted the Bangladesh perspective in peacekeeping.
He said, 146,743 including 1,138 female peacekeepers of Bangladesh have, so far, participated in 55 peacekeeping missions across the world. Bangladesh has remained one of the leading contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations for several years now. And a total of 7,129 peacekeepers of Bangladesh are presently deployed in 12 different missions around the world.
The mark of dedication and commitment, 128 soldiers of Bangladesh have, so far, laid their lives for restoring peace in various peacekeeping missions and 175 peacekeepers have been injured in the line of duty, and Bangladesh salutes the supreme sacrifice made by these true sons of peace, he informed the audience.
Brig, Ahktaruzzaman said, Bangladesh peacekeepers have earned the credentials of a “Role Model” in global peacekeeping due to their professionalism, commitment and humane attitude. The peacekeeping environment is becoming more complex day by day and peacekeepers are being asked to do much more than before, he observed.
He said, to cope with the ever increasing challenges, a state-of-the-art peacekeepers’ training institute has been established in Bangladesh. The nation resolutely reiterates its firm commitment to undertake any UN assignment for global peace and stability in future, he added.
The briefing was followed by question and answer session. Appreciating the role of Bangladesh government in restoring global peace, the participants inquired about the impact of large scale participation in the peacekeeping both in military and society. They also inquired about the role of Bangladesh in regional peace and security initiatives. Both Defence Adviser and PR gave reply to their queries.
The delegation expressed their sincere thanks and gratitude for hosting them and offering warm hospitality. Mr. Masud also thanked the delegation for choosing Bangladesh Mission as the venue for their visit. #