Peacekeepers need peace
The Pilkhana massacre has fatally wounded the nation and we have never been so united in grief. Families of the deceased are the worst victims in every respect. The survivors had helplessly witnessed the systematic butchery of their unarmed comrades. That horrific memory overpowers their joy of remaining alive.
The armed forces members, irrespective of rank and file, are mourning in the barracks. They are struggling to comfort each other by cherishing the memories of the faces they shall never see. This is how the human soul triumphs over the odds.
We should also think about the “Blue Helmets” with bleeding hearts. More than 8,000 Bangladeshi servicemen are working in the UN Peacekeeping missions in various countries. Their gallant professionalism has elevated Bangladesh to the second largest contributor of troops in such noble missions.
They are now in deep shock and their minds have been restless with grief. Yet unlike their colleagues at home, it has been painstakingly business as usual with the Bangladeshi Peacekeepers abroad. This has been extremely punishing.
The authorities may consider nominating special emissaries who may be sent on PM's instructions to the major Peacekeeping deployments. They may be chosen from either serving or retired senior army officials or former diplomats.
These emissaries will spend a few days with the Bangladesh Peacekeepers abroad. They will explain the measures the government has taken during and after the heinous act in Pilkhana. They will also update the mourning troops about the progress of prosecution. Above all, they will also offer personal counselling to comfort the soldiers in grief.
Lack of information sprouts misinformation, which creates the fume of confusion and mistrust. That is the last thing the nation needs, let alone its servicemen. These soldiers will be coming home upon ending respective assignments. Hearts and souls of these homebound warriors must not be heavy with the fog of improper notion.
The authorities may think about it.
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