A total of 250 Bangladeshi police
officials have received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal in recognition of
their contribution to the United Nations Operation in Cote D'ivoire (ONUCI), in
helping stabilize the west African country.
A ceremony was held in this regard at the
headquarters of the Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit (BANFPU) in Bouake on June 11 at the headquarters of the
Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit (BANFPU) in Bouake, according to a message received here
from Abidjan yesterday.
Commissioner of the United Nations Police (UNPOL), Colonel Pierre-Andre
Campiche, who made a trip to Abidjan, attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion Campiche praised
the dedication and sense of self-sacrifice of the Bangladeshi police officials.
He said BANFPU's professionalism has "strengthened the capacity,
efficiency and reaction force of the United Nations Police and all of ONUCI,
enabling it to cope with unforeseen security challenges."
He also drew attention to the crucial role of the UN police in securing the
electoral process ahead. "
For its part, on behalf of Bangladesh police, superintendent of police Ahmad
Zamil, the BANFPU Commander, reaffirmed the commitment of the Bangladeshi
police to support the mandate of the United Nations to promote the
reconciliation process and the return to peace.
The Formed Police Unit is a specialised unit of the United Nations Police,
tasked with providing security of people and goods within UNOCI. It is also in
charge of managing the problems associated with maintaining public order and
has considerable means to control demonstrations crowds.
Bangladesh, the second largest troop contributor to
the forces of UNOCI, has 250 police officers based at Yamoussoukro and Bouake.
Bangladesh is currently the world's second largest
provider of troops and police to the United Nations with more than 9,000
serving in fourteen peacekeeping operations.