Friday, 29 September, 2023
E-paper

Int’l Day of UN Peacekeepers observed

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was observed on Monday in Bangladesh along with the rest of the world with due dignity.

The outstanding contribution of peacekeepers from all countries of the world participating in UN peacekeeping operations is commemorated with deep respect on this day.

To mark the day, various events were organised to commemorate all brave men and women who have contributed towards establishing peace and security in war-torn countries and ravaged societies across the world.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister, Chiefs of the three Forces, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), Inspector General of Police (IGP), UN Secretary General and UN Resident Coordinator of Bangladesh gave separate messages on the occasion.

As part of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers programme, a reception was given to the relatives of martyred and injured Bangladeshi peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present in the programme as the chief guest.

A minute of silence was observed for the martyrs during the peacekeeping operation after the reception started with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

A special presentation on UN peacekeeping operations was organised on the occasion.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed spoke on the occasion while UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis gave the address of welcome.

Besides, Prime Minister exchanged views with the armed forces and policemen engaged in peacekeeping operations in various countries. Bangladesh Television and BTV World broadcasted the event live.

Members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors / High Commissioners of different countries posted in Bangladesh, Chiefs of the three Forces, Members of Parliament, PSO of AFD, Addl IGP, Senior Secretaries / Secretaries of various Ministries, senior officials of various UN agencies in Bangladesh and senior military and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the day’s programme started at 6:15am at the old airport mosque complex in Tejgaon, Dhaka and other divisional towns with the ‘Peacekeepers Run-2023’. Foreign Minister inaugurated the ‘Peacekeepers Run-2023’ as the chief guest.

The peacekeeping Run was attended by UN Resident Coordinator of Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PSO of AFD, Armed forces and police peacekeepers, representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN agencies and Armed Forces.

In observance of the day, different mainstream national dailies have published special supplements and journals highlighting the importance of the day.

Besides, different private television channels, including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar also aired special talk-shows on the occasion.