Intl UN Peacekeepers Day observed in Rajshahi
News Desk
The International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers-2023 was observed in Rajshahi in a befitting manner like the other parts of the country today.
Marking the day, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) organised a rally from RDA Market area in the city to honour the memories of the UN peacekeepers who laid down their lives for the cause of peace and security in the war-torn countries across the world.
The theme of the day, “Peace begins with me”, calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace, while recognizing the service and sacrifice of the peacekeepers past and present, including over 4200 peacekeepers who have given their lives under the UN flag.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police of Rajshahi Range Abdul Baten flanked by other high-ranking military, police and civil officials opened the rally by releasing balloons and pigeons.
A discussion was also held at Rajshahi College auditorium highlighting the remarkable contributions and sacrifice to the UN Missions made by the Bangladeshi Peacekeepers.
DIG Abdul Baten addressed the discussion as chief guest with Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman in the chair.
Director of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital Brig Gen Shameem Ahmed, Principal of Rajshahi College Prof Abdul Khaleque, Additional Commissioner of RMP Bijoy Basak and representatives of Bangladesh Army, BGB, RAB, fire brigade and Rajshahi Central Jail also spoke.
Abdul Baten said the purpose of observing the day is to underscore the importance of maintaining global peace, pay tributes to those who are involved in the peacekeeping missions and honour the UN peacekeepers who have already lost their lives for global peace.
The Day, 29th May, offers a chance to pay tributes to the contributions of the uniformed and civilian personnel to the work of the organisation and to honour scores of peacekeepers who have lost their lives in serving under the UN flag since 1948.
Combined Forces of Bangladesh (BCF) and Bangladesh Police (BP) are working with the International Peacekeeping activities for over the last three decades and performing their duties successfully, he added.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations. First UN force to serve with the Organization in 1988, to help to monitor the armistice between Iran and Iraq.
Since 1988, Bangladesh has participated in 54 peacekeeping missions in 40 different countries over five continents with more than 175,000 uniformed personnel, including over 1,800 female peacekeepers.
Bangladesh has sent its personnel to at least 45 UN Peace Keeping Operations and more than 83,000 personnel of Bangladesh have served in those missions.