Dhaka, Aug 14 (V7N)- Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman has returned home after completing a five-day official visit to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
He returned to Bangladesh on Friday (August 14) after visiting South Sudan and Abyei to review the activities of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed under UN missions.
During the visit, the Army chief inspected the Engineer Company and Infantry Battalion of the Bangladesh Army and the Force Marine Unit of the Bangladesh Navy deployed in South Sudan. He also visited the Bangladeshi Infantry Battalion deployed in Abyei.
General Waqar-uz-Zaman exchanged views with Bangladeshi staff officers, military observers and contingent members serving under UNMISS and UNISFA. He was briefed on their activities and the overall security situation in the missions.
The Army chief instructed Bangladeshi peacekeepers to remain highly vigilant and carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and dedication. He also exchanged views with Bangladeshi personnel deployed in other UN missions.
During the visit, General Waqar-uz-Zaman separately met UNMISS Force Commander Major General Junhui Wu and UNISFA Force Commander Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha.
He also met the leadership team of the Abyei mission and national monitors from Sudan and South Sudan. Discussions focused on mission activities, the security situation and various operational challenges.
Later, the Army chief paid a courtesy call on South Sudanese Defence Minister Chol Thon Balok and Chief of Defence Forces General Santino Deng Ull. He also exchanged views with them on matters of mutual interest.
The South Sudanese Defence Forces accorded General Waqar-uz-Zaman a guard of honour during the visit.
The Army chief's visit is expected to boost the morale of Bangladeshi peacekeepers while further strengthening Bangladesh's cooperation with the United Nations and the countries concerned.
The visit is also expected to contribute to Bangladesh's continued role and participation in international peacekeeping operations.
END/SMA/AJ
