The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

A total of 219 'Blue Helmets' from Bangladesh Air Force have been awarded the United Nations peacekeeping medals in DR Congo.

Force Commander of the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) General Babacat Gaye decorated them with the UN medals at a function on July 30, said a UNIC press release here today.

The colourful ceremony was also attended by the Interim Commander of MONUC's Eastern Division, General Farukh Bashir, and the Director of MONUC's Regional Office in Ituri, Madam Olamide Adedej, and local Congolese authorities.

The Commander of the Bangladeshi Aviation Unit (BANAIR-5) based in Bunia, Group Captain Mohammad Harunur Rashid, thanked the MONUC Force Commander for the function. "We are very honoured by your visit, your presence here, especially to decorate the BANAIR-5 with United Nations medals," he said.

He also thanked the military and civilian guests from the United Nations as well as the Congolese authorities for their presence at the ceremony.

Rashid said that despite many challenges facing peacekeepers, which require enormous sacrifice, "these 'blue helmets' from Bangladesh have never hesitated to perform".

The Bangladesh Air Force has operated in Ituri since August 2003 and has two units: the Utility Aviation Unit and the Airfield Services Unit for the Bangladesh Air Force.

Although they joined the Mission to assist with military operations, the Bangladeshi peacekeepers also assist MONUC's Movement Control (MOVCON) section. The Bangladeshi Unit brings important support to MONUC's aviation service and its eight different sections: the control tower, flight tracking, Military MOVCON, the Emergency and Rescue Service, Aeronautical Meteorology Airport Security and Technical Airport Service.

General Gaye appreciated the professionalism and dedication of the Bangladesh Air Force which has rendered services in various UN peacekeeping missions since 1995.

He said MONUC's aviation units - from Bangladesh and other countries - have carried out 1,500 flight hours without any major accident. Besides, BANAIR-5 carried out the rapid repair of three seriously damaged helicopters.

General Gaye said all components of the Air Force of Bangladesh have worked very well in their respective fields. "It is their professional integrity, their dedication, their care and commitment for which they deserve the cheers and the recognition of MONUC and the Congolese authorities."

Both Group Captain Rashid and Force Commander Gaye paid tribute to Air Lieutenant AKM Nazmul Huda, who recently lost his life while in the service of peace.

Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to the UN with 9,199 soldiers and police serving in 14 peacekeeping missions around the world.