For the first time in the history of Bangladesh two female military pilots are joining the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Congo.

Flight Lieutenant Nayma Haque and Flight Lieutenant Tamanna-E-Lutfi will leave here for Congo UN Mission on Thursday for one year, said an ISPR press release.

Before their departure they spoke to media at BAF Base Bashar, Dhaka Cantonment on Monday, reports the UNB.

Considering professional risks and challenges for being a combat pilot, after necessary selection process, BAF selected the two female officers for basic helicopter conversion flying training in Bell-206 helicopter in 18 Squadron of BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman, Jessore.

In the process, they started their ground training on 03 August, 2014 and on successful completion of ground training, they started their flying training on 23 September 2014.

After approximate 25hours of training, they were able to fly solo flights successfully.

On 17 December, 2014 both the female pilots successfully completed initial phase of primary helicopter flying training which is very important to become a helicopter pilot.

After Completion of 65hours of Basic Helicopter Conversion training, they performed duties in different operational squadron of BAF.

They also completed training course on MI-17, MI-171 and MI-171 SH helicopters.

They received training in aviation medicine course from India. They both performed as operational pilots in Operation Uttaron in CHT.