UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare has praised Bangladeshi peacekeepers, saying there had been no allegation against them during the last two years.
At a press briefing in the capital's Hotel Sonargaon Tuesday, the UN official said he had received 43 allegations against peacekeepers from different countries during this time, but not a single one against Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
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Khare arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a three-day visit to thank the government for its contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, to discuss challenges and opportunities related to peace operations, and discuss zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.
During his stay, he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Shahriar Alam as well as the acting chief of army staff.
The UN official quoted the acting chief of army staff as telling him that as far as Bangladeshi peacekeepers were concerned, they had “not zero tolerance but minus tolerance” on sexual exploitation and abuse.
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On another note, Khare said his organisation would arrange an event next year for Bangladeshi businesspeople to make them aware about the prospects of doing business with the UN.
He said the UN procures over Tk220bn worth of products and it is a huge opportunity for the Bangladeshi businesspeople to participate in the tender process.
