Work hard to uphold nation's image

Hasina urges peacekeepers

29 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Unb, Dhaka

Family members of the dead or injured peacekeepers pose for photograph with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city yesterday.Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the Bangladeshi peacekeepers working under the UN umbrella to carry out their missions with utmost sincerity, upholding the dignity of the national flag and brightening the image of the motherland. Addressing a function marking the International Day of the UN peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre yesterday afternoon, she also urged the blue helmets to ensure their effective participation in the worldwide peacekeeping activities and earn more fame and pride for the nation. The premier assured that her government would provide all out assistance to the armed forces-whatever they need to improve their standard and image. “We'll generously provide all sorts of assistance to you. I know this has risk… but I don't care as I will do this for the interest of the nation,” she said. “We'll deliver what the three forces need to improve. We won't take long to take decisions, I can assure you that.” Hasina said her government would provide modern training for the peacekeepers so that they could match step with the peacekeepers from other countries. She said her government has taken initiatives to procure some more Armoured Personnel Carriers for Bangladeshi peacekeepers so that the armed forces and police personnel from the country could be included in the peacekeeping missions with increasing numbers. She mentioned the capability of sending forces and modern training will be the key factor for participating in the peacekeeping missions. The PM said Bangladesh is now capable to send peacekeeping personnel to any part of the world at any moment. “We are always ready to establish peace in any country under the UN Security Council.” She said the peacekeepers have brightened Bangladesh's image in the world and the money they earned with hard labour would help the country's economy to stand on solid ground. Hasina mentioned that due to the contribution of the peacekeepers, the country could make good relations with the stronger countries around the world, in terms of military and economical strength. She said, “You'll be happy to know that after we assumed power, our position strengthened further in the UN peacekeeping missions.” Earlier, the PM handed over plaques to the family members of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who died after June 2009, and also to the injured peacekeepers. After the ceremony, Hasina went round the photo exhibition arranged to mark the occasion. UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Arthur Erken, Ambassador at-large M Ziauddin and Chief of Army Staff General M Abdul Mubeen also spoke at the function.