President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday stressed the need for enhancing technological and technical expertise of Bangladeshi peacekeepers through training, keeping at pace with other countries.
"It is important to raise technological and technical skills of peacekeepers in UN missions. The Bangladeshi peacekeepers need to receive advanced training to prove their excellence, in competition with peacekeepers from other countries," he said at a program marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
Hamid said Bangladeshi peacekeepers working in different missions would have to take self-initiatives to boost their skills in local and international languages to perform better.
He also stressed the need for giving highest priority to the safety of peacekeepers in missions.
"You have to give the highest priority to the safety of peacekeepers. Steps have been taken already to ensure their overall safety, including military uniform and equipment compatible with the climate and land in the areas of their mission. I believe, this initiative will play an important role in ensuring the safety of the peacekeepers," the president said.
The United Nations has recently given special focus on female representation, Abdul Hamid said adding that bold initiatives should be taken to increase the representation of female peacekeepers from Bangladesh at high-level appointment in the UN Headquarters.
He also expressed profound shock at the death of Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rowshan Ara Begum in a road accident in Congo.
Additional IGP Rowshan, who was employed in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, was killed as her vehicle collided with a truck in Congolese capital of Kinshasa, on May 5.
"It is the outcome of your [Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers] courage, heroism, unparallel professionalism and skill which has turned Bangladesh as one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. You have to keep this pride and respect unhurt," he said.
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo also spoke at the program. Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed also delivered a speech.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral AMMM Aurangzeb Chowdhury, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat were present.
A one-minute silence was observed during the program to show respect to the fallen peacekeepers.
A video documentary on UN and Bangladesh peacekeepers was screened during the ceremony.
Six families of the martyred and injured were given honourary award during the program.
The president also talked to the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who are working in different countries.
