President, PM greet UN peacekeepers

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today extended their heartiest greetings to all members of the UN peacekeeping missions ahead of the "International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2023".

The day will be observed tomorrow in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the globe.

In separate messages, they recalled all the valiant members of UN peacekeepers who made supreme sacrifices for upholding world peace and paid deep homage to them.

On the occasion, the president, in his message, said: "I welcome the initiative of observing the 'International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2023' in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world."

"On this auspicious occasion, I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations and felicitations to all the members of the UN peacekeepers including Bangladesh," the head of the state added.

He paid his deep homage to the valiant members of UN peacekeepers who made supreme sacrifices for upholding world peace.

The president said Bangladesh government has been consistent in upholding the principle 'Friendship to all, malice towards none' as enunciated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In continuation of this, Bangladesh is doing the sacred job of establishing peace and harmony in the world today and has become a glorious example in peacekeeping, he added.

"Bangladesh is one of the largest troops contributing nations in the UN peacekeeping missions," he said, adding: "Professionalism along with utmost sincerity, discipline, efficiency and humanitarian activities have contributed to the success of our peacekeepers."

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proudly recalled the impressive role of Bangladesh in the UN peacekeeping operations and extended her heartiest greetings to all Bangladeshi peacekeeping members.

The premier said:" "I am happy to know that the 'International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2023' is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world."

The theme of day 'Peace Begins Within Me' is appropriable, she said.

"I remember with profound respect those peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of world peace and made the country's flag brighter in the globe," she said.

She solemnly prayed for the salvation of their departed souls and conveyed her wholehearted sympathy to their bereaved family members.

Bangladesh has been playing an important role in ensuring women's participation and protection in the peacekeeping operations, she said.

"Bangladesh is committed to global peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. We are the highest peacekeeping contributing country to the United Nations. The unique contribution of our peacekeepers to the UN multinational forces has brightened the image of the nation and made Bangladesh a dignified country in the world. At the same time, it played an important role in strengthening diplomatic ties with the economically and militarily powerful countries of the world," she continued.

"I hope that our peacekeepers will establish Bangladesh as a powerful peace building nation in the world through their expertise, professionalism, courage and dedication in the UN peacekeeping operations, and will further brighten the country's image in the world," she added.