Remarks
by Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon'ble Adviser for
Foreign Affairs as the Chief Guest at the inauguration
of the Peacekeepers Day Run to commemorate 'International
Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2008'
Date
and Time: 29 May 2008 (Thursday) at 0550 hrs
Venue: Old Airport, Dhaka
Distinguished
Guests,
Serving and retired peacekeepers,
Friends from media,
Students, the future of our Nation,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am especially happy to see so many bright young
faces, some of who, I hope, will be engaged in peacekeeping
in future.
You may be aware that, this year marks the 60th anniversary
of UN peacekeeping missions and the 20th anniversary
of Bangladesh's participation to UN peacekeeping missions.
As we speak now, about 89,000 peacekeepers from 117
countries are participating in different peacekeeping
Missions around the world. At present we are the second
largest troop contributing country with 9,045 peacekeepers
participating in 14 UN peacekeeping missions.
The performance of our peacekeepers has been commendable-in
terms of commitment, courage and discipline.
I take this opportunity to remember those brave peacekeepers
who sacrificed their lives while they were on duty
in different peacekeeping operations.
I would like to convey my thanks to the organizers
of this Run since we are doing it for a noble cause
- to remember the deceased peacekeepers and to make
the countrymen aware of that so that they can also
share the pride of belonging to a nation that strives
to maintain peace and security throughout the world.
Let
us dedicate this Run to all the peacekeepers of the
world who are sacrificing the comfort of staying back
home safe only to make the world safer for the distressed
people around the world
I
thank you all.
