President Abdul Hamid laid emphasis on enhancing IT and technical expertise of Bangladeshi peacekeepers to compete with counterparts from other countries, reports UNB.
He made the remarks at a programme marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city on Tuesday with the theme '70 Years of Service and Sacrifice'.
"It's important to increase technological and technical skills of peacekeepers in UN mission alongside the development of information and communication technology.
The Bangladeshi peacekeepers will also have to take advanced training to prove their leading role in the competition with other peacekeepers in the world,'' the President said.
Hamid said the Bangladeshi peacekeepers working in different missions will have to take self-initiatives to increase their skills over the local and international languages alongside the professional skills to perform better.
Stressing the importance of taking bold initiatives to ensure the maximum representation of female peacekeepers from Bangladesh in the global peacekeeping force, he said, "The United Nations has particularly focused on female representation.
Currently, 157 women from Bangladesh are engaged in peacekeeping activities. The photos of Flight Lieutenant Nayma Haque and Flying Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfi on the UN website highlighted the position of our women peacekeepers."
Bangladesh completed 54 missions in 40 countries successfully. "Around 7,500 peacekeepers among 91,058 of 124 countries are working in different missions, which is a proud moment for us.
The active participation of the UN Mission is playing significant role in developing the mutual diplomatic relationship with the countries with developed economy and military apart from bringing peace.
It (participation in UN Mission) has also helped Bangladesh turn into a respectful country around the world," the President said.
He said, "You (peacekeepers) have to earn respect from other fellow peacekeepers for your professional skills.
At the same time, you must attain the love of local people apart from bringing peace.
The foreign currency, you are earning, is playing a significant role in our economy."
Hamid went on saying, "It's the outcome of your courage, heroism, unparallel professionalism and skill which has turned Bangladesh into one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping compared to the other countries. You have to keep this pride and respect unhurt."
This day (May 29) offers a chance to pay tributes to the contributions of uniformed and civilian personnel to the work of the organisation and honour more than 3,700 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar and secretaries concerned to the President were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a one-minute silence was observed during the programme to show respect to the peacekeepers who have lost their lives.
A video documentary titled 'Bangladesh in Global Peace' was displayed during the ceremony.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, among others, were also present at the programme.
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