DHAKA, Jan 14, 2022 (BSS) - A team of Bangladesh Police has left Dhaka for

Mali to join the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

  The 140-member strong contingent led by Commander Mohammad Shahinur Alam
left for Bamako in Mali last night by a chartered aircraft of Biman
Bangladesh Airlines, according to a statement issued by the Police
Headquarters today.

  Apart from the stipulated forces working with different peacekeeping
missions under the UN, the Bangladesh Formed Police Unit 2 (BANFPU-2,
Rotation) team will work there, the statement said.

  Deputy Inspector General of Police Md Haider Ali Khan and officers of UN
desk gave them a farewell at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, it
added.

  Bangladesh police earned the trust and respect from associating
peacekeepers of the UN for showing competence and professionalism. Police
also introduced French language course for police personnel so that they can
share their working atmosphere with the UN officers as well as other
peacekeepers easily.

  According to the Centre for Research Information (CRI), Bangladesh stepped
into the family of "Blue Helmet" through participation in UNIIMOG (Iraq-Iran)
in 1988 with 15 military observers from Bangladesh Army.

  Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force joined the UN Peacekeeping
Operation (UNPKO) in 1993, while Bangladesh Police joined in 1989.

  The CRI said that Awami League government is providing more facilities,
equipment to ensure provisions of police and army to further strengthen the
peacekeeping role in the world.

  It said that Bangladesh Police is one of the top contributing countries of
police with remarkable commitments in the UN peacekeeping. Bangladesh is also
the top contributor of female police officers to the United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations.