BAF peacekeepers leave for Mali

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is going to replace its contingent at the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission in the Republic of Mali.

As a part of the replacement, 110 BAF members, including four female officers, left Dhaka for Mali on a UN chartered aircraft on Wednesday, says a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Group Captain Abdullah Al Farooq will lead the contingent to be deployed in Mali.

BAF has received praise in mitigating conflict in Mali with efficiency, professionalism, and sincerity.  

A special prayer was offered prior to their flight for Mali at the departure lounge in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka. Senior BAF officers were present at the airport during departure.

Earlier on December 21, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat briefed the contingent members and took part in a special prayer for the success of the mission, the press statement says.

He emphasized taking preventive actions to reduce Covid-19 transmission and remaining careful about the deadly virus.