Four Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who died while performing duties last year, have been awarded for their contribution to world peace.
They are Wing Commander M Abdul Haris, Sub-Inspector M Shah Alam, Constable M Abdul Hakim and Constable M Asgar Ali, reported UNB.
The awards were given at a ceremony held at the UN Headquarters marking the International Day of Peacekeepers.
On behalf of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers, the Bangladesh ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, AK Abdul Momen received the awards from UN Under Secretary General Hervé Ladsous. The International Day of Peacekeepers was observed in a befitting manner at the UN Headquarters in New York.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon gave his welcome address after inaugurating the ceremony on Wednesday, according to a message received here yesterday. The award giving programme was held in memory of the peacekeepers who were killed last year while performing peacekeeping duties around the world.
Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping mission is the largest in the world with over 10,000 peacekeepers now engaged in the missions.
A total of 112 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have lost their lives so far.
Ninety-two peacekeepers – military and police – from 31 countries received awards in recognition to their supreme sacrifices at the ceremony.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 to pay tribute to all men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.