Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has criticised the recent Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary on UN peacekeepers, saying it was intentionally made to undermine the contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, reports UNB.
He said the documentary, titled 'Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers,' has sparked controversy and condemnation.
"There is nothing substantial. It is very difficult to understand its essence because it was not made based on facts. It seems it was done intentionally to undermine our peacekeepers' contributions to the UN missions," he said.
The minister came up with the remarks on Monday while speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the city after his return from Antigua and Barbuda and New York, USA.
He highlighted the global appreciation for the sacrifices of Bangladeshi peacekeepers over the years. "DW sometimes comes up with such anti-state efforts," he added.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) earlier condemned the documentary as 'false' and 'fallacious,' accusing it of presenting a misleading portrayal of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions. "Misrepresentation and insufficient diligence can lead to eroding the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping forces globally," ISPR stated on May 25.
The ISPR emphasised that the Bangladesh Army has a spotless record with no human rights violations while serving under the UN, a distinction shared by few countries. They noted that 131 Bangladesh Army personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice and 239 have sustained injuries while serving under the UN flag, embodying the spirit of selflessness and commitment to global peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Bangladesh's contributions to international peace and security during a meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on May 30 at the UN Headquarters in New York. "Bangladesh makes a remarkable contribution to international peace and security, sustainable development, and the fight against climate change. That is why we consider Bangladesh a very important partner," Guterres said.
Hasan said former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed can travel anywhere in the world as no travel ban has been issued against him anywhere.
"Look, there has been no travel ban against him - neither from any court nor from the Anti-Corruption Commission," he told reporters while responding to a question.
According to media reports, Benazir, his wife, and their daughters left Dhaka on a Singapore Airlines flight on the night of May 4.
The foreign minister said it remains to be seen whether the former police chief appears before the ACC on June 6.
