Bangladeshi Army Officer awarded French national defence medal
The Government of France has awarded Brigadier General Mohammad Azharul Islam, afwc, psc, of the Bangladesh Army, the prestigious National Defence Medal (Gold Level) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
He is the first Bangladeshi to receive this honour.
The French ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, presented the medal at a ceremony held at his residence in Dhaka on Tuesday.
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Brigadier General Azhar served as deputy chief of staff (support) at the force headquarters of the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from 2022 to 2023, where he coordinated logistics and support operations for more than 13,000 peacekeepers.
During the complex relocation of the French Barkhane force from Mali to Niger and Chad in 2022, his team ensured the safe withdrawal of French contingents and the smooth redeployment of UN troops. Later, following the UN's decision to withdraw from Mali in 2023, his leadership enabled the safe evacuation of all personnel and equipment within six months.
The French government recognised his professionalism, dedication and leadership in these operations with this distinguished honour.
Brigadier General Azhar is a veteran peacekeeper, having previously served in Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Somalia and Mali.
