DHAKA, Sept 1, 2022 (BSS) - Gambian Minister for Interior Seyaka Sonko sought Bangladesh's cooperation in imparting training and capacity building of Gambia's peacekeepers, especially the police force.

He praised the success and outstanding performance and contribution of Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations, while meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Benazir Ahmed at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.

Seyaka Sonko praised Bangladesh Police for its 32 years of outstanding role in UN peacekeeping missions.

He also requested to cooperate in pre-deployment training of peacekeepers.
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal assured Gambia to cooperate in building capacity of Gambia's peacekeepers.

IGP Dr Benazir highlighted the contribution of Bangladesh Police in UN peace-keeping missions. He informed the Gambian delegation about the capacity of the Bangladesh Police and assured providing training support to the Gambian Police Force.

Gambian Home Minister praised the government and people of Bangladesh for providing humanitarian shelter to a large number of Rohingya people. During the meeting, fruitful discussions were held on mutual cooperation to expedite the repatriation of Rohingyas.

Gambian Minister also discussed about the mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Gambia in countering terrorism and militancy.
 
Reiterating the Prime Minister's 'zero tolerance policy' against terrorism, Bangladesh Home Minister said that he is ready to provide any assistance to Gambia in this regard.

The Bangladesh delegation also met with the UN under Secretary General of the Department of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov.
 Kamal highlighted various counter-terrorism initiatives and policies taken by the Bangladesh Government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He also mentioned that in future, Bangladesh will work more closely with the office of the UN on various issues related to mutual interests.

The UN under Secretary General appreciated Bangladesh government for various policies, initiatives and successes in countering terrorism and violence.
 
He invited Bangladesh to participate in the high-level conference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies to be held in June 2023 and requested Bangladesh to highlight its best practices and achievements in this regard.

Later, Home Minister and IGP visited Bangabandhu Bench and planted trees at the United Nations Garden on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Mission in the UN Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith was present, among others.