Hi-tech facilities for peacekeepers open

The opening ceremony of newly installed $ 2.1 million 'Enhanced International Peacekeeping Capability (EIPC)' equipment was held at Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) in Rajendrapur Cantonment.

Army Chief Lieutenant General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury was present as chief guest. Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy Judith A Chammas and BIPSOT Commandant Brigadier General Md Najeeb also spoke.

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American experts have installed the equipment at the institute under the EIPC Programme of the US government and conducted initial training.

The equipment and facilities include computer laboratory, language laboratory, server room, VSAT, blue force tracker, video conference and reproduction facilities.

"The United States has demonstrated here today that we are firmly committed to helping Bangladesh promote its role in worldwide peacekeeping operations," the US ambassador said.

"Our continued combined efforts will allow Bangladesh to use this equipment to take the lead and host regional computer-simulation exercises and give Bangladesh the capability to participate in other UN regional and worldwide peacekeeping exercises in a hi-tech simulation environment," he said.

Appreciating the role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, Thomas said the US is proud to be working with this peacekeeping centre, which has ground personnel supporting over 10 nations in security, police, observer and peacekeeping missions as well as helicopter aviation operations in both Congo and East Timor.

The US envoy said installation of EPIC is not only confined to a mere ceremony but "it is a joint endeavour undertaken by our two countries that demonstrates our commitment to work together to forge cooperation and create a special bond between our militaries."

"We believe that security is the foundation of a stable country and that the rights of all individuals and freedom of religion is the foundation of society," he said.

Lt. Gen. Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury thanked the US government for including Bangladesh in their EIPC programme, saying that the modern and sophisticated equipment and facilities will certainly enhance the capability of BIPSOT to carry out its tasks in a more efficient manner.

He said Bangladesh army is proud to have been involved in many peacekeeping operations to bring about peace and stability in different parts of the world.

At present, around 6,500 peacekeepers are working in different UN peacekeeping missions. Besides, 3,500 more peacekeepers are preparing to join a peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast by August.