The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The United Nations has awarded 90 fallen peacekeepers from 42 countries, including two from Bangladesh, the 'Dag Hammarskjold Medal'.

They lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions in 2007, an ISPR press release said here yesterday.

The medals were distributed by Jean-Marie Guehenno, under secretary-general of peacekeeping operations of the UN, in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium of the UN Headquarters in New York on May 30 last.

Brig Gen Ilyas Iftekhar Rasul, defence adviser of Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN, received the medals of Captain Md. Razibul Kabir and Shaineek Md. Shahab Uddin, who died while performing their duties in UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Democratic Republic of Congo respectively.

While handing over the medals to the Bangladesh representative, Guehenno highly praised the performance of Bangladeshi officers and men and thanked Bangladesh for its active support in UN peacekeeping operations.

In response, Brig Gen Ilyas assured him of Bangladesh's continuous support and cooperation for the UN peacekeeping operations.

In his statement, the under secretary-general said these brave individuals lost their lives during deployments in some of the most dangerous places on earth.

On the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29, 2008, a wreath-laying ceremony took place in the UN Headquarters honouring the fallen peacekeepers.

A poster was also published showing a soldier of Bangladesh on duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which reflects the true recognition of Bangladesh's contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations.

In a statement marking the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "Peacekeeping has developed into a flagship enterprise of our organization. Today, we have more than 110,000 men and women deployed in conflict zones around the world. They come from nearly 120 countries - an all time high, reflecting confidence in UN peacekeeping."

Bangladesh is currently the world's second largest provider of troops and police to the UN with more than 9,000 serving in 14 peacekeeping operations, said the ISPR release.