Dhaka: Bangladesh has reiterated its zero tolerance policy against sexual abuse and exploitation in peacekeeping operations.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen conveyed Bangladesh’s position when a delegation of the US Army War College visited the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Friday, reports the UNB.

The delegation was composed of 23 members of different countries led by Colonel Michael P Zick, said a press release received from New York on Saturday.

The US Army War College has been visiting Bangladesh Mission every year in the recent times to learn about experiences in the field of peace operation.

Ambassador Masud highlighted the tremendous socio-economic developments of Bangladesh.

Mentioning Bangladesh’s fulfillment of the graduation criteria from LDC, the PR said, “From the war-ravaged country to today’s graduation, the journey has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

The Permanent Representative shared that Bangladesh has set a goal to become a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed and industrialised country by 2041.

He also recognised that the multidimensional cooperation between the militaries of Bangladesh and the United States is increasing day by day.

This partnership comes as recognition of Bangladesh’s remarkable contribution to peace operations as well as the reputation and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers. A senior officer of Bangladesh Army studying in the war college was part of this delegation.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen focused on Bangladesh’s enormous contribution to UN peacekeeping operations as one of the top troops and police contributing country over the years and Bangladesh’s engagements in maintaining international peace & security, sustaining peace and peace-building discourses at the UN.

Defense Adviser of Bangladesh Permanent Mission Brigadier General Khan Firoz Ahmed briefed the delegation about Bangladesh’s engagement in the UN peacekeeping operations and the dedicated role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

He said Bangladesh was always at the forefront in the United Nations peacekeeping Operations and so far, 1,63,181 Bangladeshi peacekeepers participated in 54 UN peacekeeping missions, of whom 1,616 are female.

Currently, there are 7091 Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in 10 several missions. As many as 146 peacekeepers lost their lives on duty while 227 have been injured.

He also portrayed Bangladesh’s success stories in bringing peace at various war ravaged parts of the world during the past 30 years.

A video was also displayed before the delegations on the indomitable success of Bangladesh.

The delegation was also briefed by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Mission Tareq Md Ariful Islam on Bangladesh’s overall engagement at the UN, the challenges UN was facing on various global issues and how Bangladesh was contributing to the work of UN in overcoming these challenges.

The US Army War College delegation applauded the Bangladesh Mission for the useful exchange and the excellent arrangement and warm hospitality.

The Permanent Representative thanked the US Army War College delegations for choosing the Bangladesh Mission for their visit.