Chief of Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka today (June 11) for the African country Gambia on a state visit.

His visit aims at testing capabilities and fixing the next course of action on the co-deployment of Bangladeshi and Gambian troops in the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions for the first time, says a media release of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR).

Earlier, in February 2023, a high-level delegation led by Gambian Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara visited Bangladesh, expressing their interest in the joint deployment of troops in UN peacekeeping missions. 

The delegation included Defence Minister Sheikh Omar Faye and Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Yankuba A Drammeh, among others.

Responding to the proposal, General Shafiuddin left the country for Gambia to test their capabilities in-person there.

In this regard, a tripartite meeting among the army chief, the Gambian government, and two representatives from the UN headquarters will be held.

The army chief will meet Gambian President Adama Barrow, foreign and defence ministers, the chief of defence staff, high military officials, and representatives of civil society during his visit.

According to the release, different issues, including bilateral cooperation and training in peacekeeping activities, will be discussed between the countries.

The army chief is scheduled to return home on June 16.

BDST: 1359 HRS, JUNE 11, 2023
SMS