BAF BASE BASHAR (DHAKA): The first United Nations blue-helmet team from Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is set to join in peacekeeping mission in west African country Mali this month.

Two BANAIR contingents of 240 BAF personnel will leave the city for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) by December.

The contingents include Utility Aviation Unit-1 and Airfield Services and Maintenance Unit-1, three MI-17 helicopters and different ground support equipments.

An advance team of 16 BAF members has already arrived in the country. Other 107 members are scheduled to leave the city on December 15. The rest will go later.

BAF held a program on the occasion at BAF Base Bashar in Tejgaon area in city on Tuesday where Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari addressed the BAF members.

The chief said that the air force members have been playing pivotal roles in protecting the world peace besides keeping contribution to the national life.

He asked the BAF personnel to be sincere and disciplined during their journey saying their negligence and irresponsibility may damage the reputation of their fellows and forces.

Referring to the recent Ebola outbreak, Enamul said the weather of Mail is different from other African countries those are facing the outbreak.

Bangladesh peacekeepers remain safe from Ebola, added the chief urging the BAF members to make their mission successful with their all-out effort.  

According to BAF sources, a total of 4,570 BAF personnel participated in 25 UN missions at different times. 

At present, 523 BAF members are on peacekeeping duty at different missions while process is underway to send another team to Caribbean country Republic of Haiti, the sources added.

BDST: 1305 HRS, DEC 09, 2014