Hasina calls for monitoring soldiers in UN peacekeeping mission

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has told the armed forces to closely monitor Bangladesh soldiers in UN peacekeeping mission and ensure they do nothing to tarnish the country’s image.

“Any kind of untoward conduct by our peacekeepers will not be tolerated,” she said on Thursday during a programme at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC).

“We do not want the image of our armed forces to be tainted,” Hasina told the armed forces personnel.

At a media briefing last month, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Field Support Anthony Banbury said that 12 children in Central African Republic had accused European soldiers and peacekeepers, including Bangladeshi troops of sexual abuse.

The armed forces PR wing had said that they have started a probe on the allegation.

“Bangladesh will follow a zero-tolerance policy if anyone found guilty,” Shahinul Islam, Director of Inter Service Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), told bdnews24.com then.

Speaking at the DSCSC graduation ceremony on Thursday, the prime minister said as many as 8,501 Bangladeshis are now involved in UN peacekeeping missions in 11 countries.

“In his 2011 speech at the Dhaka University, UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon said that Bangladesh is now leading the UN peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh now contributes most soldiers in UN missions,” she said.

Bangladesh has taken part in 45 out of the 66 peacekeeping mission since its start in 1988, added the prime minister.