Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is replacing its 62 peacekeepers of the Aviation Transport Unit contingent deployed in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As part of this replacement, 35 members of the Bangladesh Air Force left Dhaka for the Democratic Republic of Congo today aboard an UN-Chartered aircraft (Ethiopian Airlines), said a release of the Inter-Services of Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this evening.

The remaining 27 members of the new contingent will leave Dhaka for Congo on February 2, 2026 (Monday) in an UN chartered aircraft (Ethiopian Airlines), it mentioned.

Group Captain Mohammad Salim Javed of the BAF contingent led the forces. 

Meanwhile, a prayer ceremony was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (R) International Airport with the hope that the peacekeepers may achieve more excellence in the future, keeping their reputation and success intact.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanvir Khan and senior officers of the Air Force were present at the airport to bid them farewell, the release added.

Earlier on January 20, 2026, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan gave a briefing to the members of the Aviation Transport Unit-15 contingent going to Congo at the Air Force Headquarters and attended a special prayer for the success of the mission, the ISPR added.