Peacekeeping in UN missions a constant challenge: Salehuddin
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Thursday said peacekeeping in the UN Mission is an immensely challenging task due to adverse environments, unfamiliar climates, and cultural differences.
"The biggest challenge is staying ready for facing challenges and uncertainty at all times. You have to remain alert all the time, you have to remain alert mentally and physically," he said while addressing a programme marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
The event was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center in Dhaka.
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The day is being observed under the theme "The Future of Peacekeeping".
Salehuddin lauded the contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, saying they uphold the country's image as a peace-loving and developing nation in the global arena.
"Bangladesh does not seek peace only for itself—we are committed to promoting peace in every corner of the world," he added.
He said maintaining peace has become more difficult now than ever before.
"Expansion of technology and complexities of the usage of technology make it harder. New threats are coming," he said.
He urged the peacekeepers to be well-prepared before joining any mission.
"Technology learning is a continuous process, You need to continue that. It is a big challenge," he said.
Salehuddin assured peacekeepers of the government's full support to ensure they are well-equipped for their missions.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique, and UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis also spoke at the event.
The programme began with a minute of silence in honour of fallen peacekeepers followed by the screening of a short video documentary.
Salehuddin handed over honour crests to two injured peacekeepers—Soldier Md Alamin Hossain and Constable Mahmudul Haque—in recognition of their sacrifice during UN missions.
He also unveiled a special peacekeepers' journal and interacted with Bangladeshi contingents currently deployed across the world through video conferencing.
