ED: Honouring those who keep the peace

Bangladeshis have long been held in high regard for their selfless contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping forces. Indeed, on a daily basis, these brave men and women don their uniforms and readily put themselves in grave danger out of a sense of responsibility, and thereby provide a most invaluable service to certain regions around the globe. Their service should be rightfully honoured.

Just this week, Bangladeshi peace-keepers deployed in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco) have been praised for their role in ensuring public safety in the area.

Since the beginning of this month, these men and women have worked to provide safe passage to hundreds of civilian vehicles every day, despite the continuous fear of ambush from armed rebels in the area along with the adverse conditions of these remote areas.

This is just the latest example of Bangladesh’s assistance to UN peace-keeping forces to help secure peace and stability globally. It is a matter of national pride that we remain among the biggest contributors to the peacekeeping forces, with close to 7,000 personnel in the line of duty globally, all risking their lives to ensure that the general public in these areas of unrest are kept safe.

It is truly inspiring that these brave Bangladeshis take such pride in their tasks, and on a larger scale, offers further proof that Bangladesh and its people do not turn their backs on doing the right thing and are happy to provide assistance where required.