DHAKA, May 29, 2020 (BSS) – For the first time in the United Nations
Peacekeeping history, the UN chartered a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight,
the flagship carrier of the country, for carrying Bangladeshi UN Peacekeepers
to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in
the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
This comes as a true recognition of Bangladesh’s invaluable contribution
to the UN Peacekeeping Operations for more than three decades, said a press
release.
The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN remained deeply engaged with
the UN Heaquarters for coordination and finalization of the agreement, which
culminated in achieving this milestone, said the release received here today.
Earlier yesterday morning, the Bangladesh Biman Flight carrying a
contingent of 179 Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army and Air
Force departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka for the
capital city of Central African Republic, Bangui.
The contingent is composed of 125 members of the Armed Utility Helicopter
Unit, 20 members of the Advance Party of Quick Reaction Force Company, and 34
members of Stranded Peacekeepers.
The flight is expected to arrive in Bangui, the capital city of the
Central African Republic today (May 29).
Currently, there are 6543 Bangladeshi UN Peacekeepers deployed in several
missions and among them 1061 Peacekeepers are working in MINUSCA, which
started its operation on April 10, 2014.