Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed has called for the deployment of more Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping operations.
This was stated in a press release sent by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Wednesday (February 10).
He made the remarks during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacrua and Under-Secretary-General of Operational Support Atul Khar. At the same time, the Chief of Army Staff reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering commitment and continued support for UN peacekeeping operations. General Aziz also requested for the deployment of more Bangladeshi officers in various important posts related to UN peacekeeping operations and peacekeeping at the UN headquarters.
At a meeting on Tuesday (February 9) afternoon, Under-Secretary-General Lacrua praised the professionalism, discipline, dedication and courage of Bangladeshi peacekeepers engaged in UN peacekeeping operations. He thanked the Government of Bangladesh for its significant contribution to peacekeeping operations around the world. Lacrua also assured cooperation in deploying more Bangladeshi peacekeepers in the future. Note that Bangladesh is currently at the top of the list of countries sending troops and police in UN peacekeeping operations.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff held a meeting with Atul Khar, Under Secretary General of the Operational Support yesterday afternoon. During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff thanked Mr. Atul Khare for enlisting Bangladesh Biman in the UN peacekeeping mission.
Atul Khar thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her leading role on human rights issues, including peacekeeping, climate change and women's empowerment. He also thanked the Bangladesh government for its role in successfully transporting UN peacekeepers in the Covid-19 situation. The meeting also discussed various issues related to the participation of Bangladesh Navy, Air Force and Police in UN peacekeeping operations.
Besides, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh had a meeting with Lieutenant General Carlos Humberto Loyte, Military Adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations on Tuesday morning.
On the same day, a meeting was also held with the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, Ambassador Rabab Fatima. During the meeting, the Permanent Representative outlined various aspects of Bangladesh's participation in the UN to the Chief of Army Staff. General Aziz Ahmed thanked Ambassador Rabab Fatima for highlighting the positive image of Bangladesh in the UN as a whole, including peacekeeping operations.
Major General Jubayer Salehin, Commandant of the Defense Service Command and Staff College and Brigadier General Md. Sadequzzaman, Defense Adviser of the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations were present at the meeting.
It may be mentioned that the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh has been staying in the United States since January 29 on an official visit at the invitation of the United States Government.