Dhaka, Mar 07 (V7N) –Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, psc, was honoured with the prestigious Presidential Medal during his recent visit to the Central African Republic (CAR). The award, presented by CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, recognizes Bangladesh’s significant contributions to the country’s development, particularly in the healthcare sector.

During the visit, General Waker-uz-Zaman inspected the activities of Bangladeshi contingents and peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in CAR.

He provided valuable guidance to the peacekeepers and met with Ms Valentine Rugwabiza, special representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), and Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, force commander, to discuss the roles and contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in maintaining stability in the region.

The army chief also held a bilateral meeting with General Mamadou Zephirin, chief of the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA). The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military relations and enhancing mutual cooperation.

A key highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of the "Touadéra Community Clinic," constructed by the Bangladesh Army under the UN peacekeeping mission to support the local civilian population.

General Waker-uz-Zaman also visited Bangladeshi contingents stationed in the Bangui area. His visit is expected to bolster the friendly relations between Bangladesh and the Central African Republic and boost the morale of Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

The army chief commenced his visit to CAR on Monday and returned to Dhaka on Thursday.

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