The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a terrorist drone attack while serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday.
According to official sources, the aircraft carrying the bodies will land at the airport around 11am. Upon arrival, the fallen peacekeepers will be accorded due honours, followed by funeral prayers and burial in accordance with official protocols.
The peacekeepers were killed on 13 December when a UN peacekeeping base in the Abyei area of Sudan came under a deadly drone attack.
The assault, carried out by a separatist armed group, targeted the Kadugli Logistics Base operating under the UN peacekeeping mission. Nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers were injured in the attack.
The injured personnel are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Officials said several have already been discharged, while the remaining injured peacekeepers are in stable condition and out of danger.
The six peacekeepers who lost their lives are Corporal Md Masud Rana of Natore; Soldier Md Mominul Islam and Soldier Shanta Mondol of Kurigram; Soldier Shamim Reza of Rajbari; Mess Waiter Mohammad Jahangir Alam of Kishoreganj; and Laundry employee Md Sabuj Mia of Gaibandha.
Those injured in the attack are Lieutenant Colonel Khondaker Khalekuzzaman of Kushtia; Sergeant Md Mostakim Hossain of Dinajpur; Corporal Afroza Parvin Ity of Dhaka; Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam of Barguna; Soldier Md Mezbaul Kabir of Kurigram; Soldier Mst Umme Hani Akter of Rangpur; Soldier Chumki Akter of Manikganj; and Soldier Md Manazir Ahsan of Noakhali.
Bangladesh has long been a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with its troops playing a vital role in promoting global peace and security.
