President for improvement of peacekeepers’ skills
President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday stressed the need for enhancing technological and technical expertise of Bangladeshi peacekeepers through training to compete with those from other countries.
"It's important to raise technological and technical skills of peacekeepers in UN missions. The Bangladeshi peacekeepers have to receive advanced training to prove their excellence in competition with peacekeepers from other countries," he said.
The President was addressing a programme marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at the city's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Hamid said Bangladeshi peacekeepers working in different missions would have to take self-initiatives to boost their skills in local and international languages to perform better.
He also stressed the need for giving highest priority to the safety of peacekeepers in missions.
"You've to give the highest priority to the safety of peacekeepers. Already,steps have been taken to ensure their overall safety, including military uniform and equipment compatible with the climate and land in the mission area. I believe, this initiative will play an important role in ensuring the safety of the peacekeepers," the President said.
The United Nations has recently given special focus on female representation, the President said adding bold initiatives should be taken to increase the representation of female peacekeepers from Bangladesh at high-level appointment in the UN Headquarters.
He also expressed profound shock at the death of Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) RowshanAra Begum in a road accident in Congo.
Additional IGP Rowshan, who was employed in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, was killed as her vehicle collided with a truck in Congolese capital of Kinshasa, on May 5.
"It's the outcome of your courage, heroism, unparallel professionalism and skill which has turned Bangladesh as one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. You've to keep this pride and respect unhurt," he said.
Foreign Secretary ShahidulHaque and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppoalso spoke at the programme.Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed also delivered speech.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral AMMM Aurangzeb Chowdhury, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat and secretaries concerned to the President were present.
A one-minute silence was observed during the programme to show respect to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives.
A video documentary on UN and Bangladesh peacekeepers was displayed during the ceremony.
Six families of the martyred and injured were given honourary award during the programme.
The President also talked to the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who are working in the different countries.
