Bangladeshi peacekeepers awarded UN service medal in Mali

The UN has awarded the 139 members of the Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit for its work with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to bring peace to the West African country.

The medal ceremony was held at the MINUSMA’s Operational Base in the Malian capital of Bamako on Thursday.

“The decorated Bangladeshi police officers have performed their missions properly and with determination and professionalism,” said Deputy Chief of the MINUSMA Police Component Brig Gen Jean-Frédéric Sellier.

“On behalf of MINUSMA, I congratulate you and thank you for the work accomplished.”

The peacekeeping mission first deployed to Mali in 2013. The awardees were from the fourth rotation sent by Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has over 7,000 military and police personnel serving with United Nations Peacekeeping around the world, making it the second largest contributor to the force. Over 1,600 of these personnel are assigned to Mali.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Koen Davidse.