Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Colleagues,

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum.

I am happy to be present here at this august gathering organized by the armed forces of Bangladesh in association with the United Nations Resident Coordinator to commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, 2008. I extend my greetings and best wishes to everybody present here on the occasion.

Since a member of the United Nations in September 1974. Since then, we have remained a staunch supporter of multifarious initiatives undertaken by the United Nations in promoting global peace and stability. Of these, the most significant undertaking for which Bangladesh is known all over is the contribution made by members of our armed forces and police in the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

Our participation in peace support operations and other categories of multinational forces has created a highly positive image for Bangladesh in the global arena. It has substantiated our stand for the cause of world peace, enhanced diplomatic ties with our allies and brought Bangladesh closer both developed and developing nations. Our troops in the field along with diplomatic initiatives at the UN headquarters have always reflected our commitment for lasting peace in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you know, Bangladesh has consistently remained one of the largest contributors of troops to United Nations Peace Support Missions. There has been no hesitation on our part in sending Bangladeshi troops to far-flung, conflict-ridden regions of the world under the UN Security Council mandate. Recently, our participation in the UN Mission in Darfur has become another milestone in our unwavering commitment to global peace. I am happy to learn that the Seventh Formed Police Unit from Bangladesh Police is also preparing to join this mission soon.

Our troops and policemen have earned not only the respect of their compatriots from other countries, but also the admiration of the people they have served. The United Nations and members of the international community have time and again applauded our purposeful, effective and courageous role in peace support missions.

Apart from their significant contributions to Peacekeeping operations, the members of Bangladesh armed forces and police have also been playing an outstanding role in nation-building activities at home. The nation is grateful to them for the enormous contributions they made during our war of liberation, which paved the way for the independence of the country in 1971. They have served the nation well whenever and wherever asked. I take this opportunity to convey my thanks and gratitude to all members of Bangladesh armed forces and police for their distinguished services at home and abroad over the years.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I pay my deepest respect to those valiant souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice during UN missions for the cause of bringing peace to strife-torn corners of the world. Last year, we honoured the families of 76 deceased peacekeepers; and this year, we honour the families of remaining deceased peacekeepers as well as those peacekeepers who suffered injuries between 1988 and 1995. We offer our sincere prayers for them and convey our highest appreciation for their valiant role. I would also like to pay my tribute to all men and women from Bangladesh, who have served and continue to serve in UN Peace Support Operations. We are proud of you.

I would like to make a special mention of the positive and constructive role of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Bangladesh for its continuous support for our peacekeepers.

Bangladesh’s commitment to United Nations Peace Support Missions is backed by her readiness to make substantial contribution and tackle challenging and complex circumstances. Bangladesh is also capable of mobilising well-trained and well-equipped forces having vast experience at a very short notice. The Government of Bangladesh remains committed to further modernizing the country’s armed forces and police to enable them to accomplish their noble tasks more effectively. We look forward to enhanced engagement with the United Nations in this area.

In conclusion, I wish the UN Peacekeepers all success in their noble endeavour across the globe in the days and years to come.

Thank you all.