Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said the peacekeepers from Bangladesh are always prepared to face any challenge even putting their lives at risk through upholding high standards of training, moral values, competence, and impartiality.

“Bangladesh’s contribution to peacekeeping has earned international recognition, and through continuous participation in UN missions, the country remains firmly committed to maintaining global peace,” he said.

The army chief was addressing a programme held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Thursday, marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Addressing diplomats and foreign friends, the army chief said, “I want to assure you that Bangladesh will continue to respond to the UN’s call for peacekeeping. Our commitment is rooted in the ideals of the Liberation War and our constitutional principles. We will always stand for global peace.”

At the event, he also commemorated 168 brave soldiers and police personnel who lost their lives in various peacekeeping missions. “The nation will remember their sacrifices with profound respect,” he said.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said he was deeply pleased and proud to attend the event as the country’s senior most peacekeeper.

Bangladesh is now a recognised and highly respected name in global peacekeeping, he said, adding that responding to the UN’s call, the country has been actively participating in peacekeeping efforts since 1988.