Govt modernising armed forces, police for working in UN peace missions: PM
Stressing that future peacekeeping missions must be more modern, visionary, and technology-driven, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government is modernising the armed forces and police to perform their duties in UN peacekeeping missions and other international assignments.
"The government is gradually implementing initiatives to modernise the armed forces and police to prepare them for performing responsibilities in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions and other international assignments," he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a programme at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment here this morning, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
At the event, he recalled with deep respect the brave peacekeepers around the world who have sacrificed their lives while fulfilling the great responsibility of establishing global peace.
Tarique Rahman said since 1988, 175 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been martyred while performing their duties as members of the UN peacekeeping missions, while many others have been injured.
He prayed for forgiveness of the departed souls and said the sacrifice of the martyrs as members of the UN peacekeeping missions would remain as a shining example not only for Bangladesh but also for anti-war and peace-loving people around the world.
"Their sacrifice demonstrates that they are committed not only to defending the independence and sovereignty of their motherland, but also as members of peacekeeping missions under the flag of the UN as they are committed to protecting peace anywhere in the world at any cost," the Prime Minister said.
However, the premier noted that the journey had not been easy, saying, "The achievements and recognition earned by our peacekeepers on the global stage did not come easily. They had to perform this noble and humanitarian duty amid adversity, limitations, and difficult challenges."
Addressing the peacekeepers, Tarique Rahman appreciated them for their dedication, courage, and professionalism while serving far from their families in challenging environments.
