DHAKA: UN Under-Secretary General Atul Khare called on foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali in the foreign affairs ministry Monday.

During the call on, mentioning Bangladesh as the top troops contributing country, foreign minister Mahmood Ali said that more Bangladesh nationals deserve to be appointed for policy and command level positions at both the Headquarters and the field in the missions.

He also appreciated the suggestions made by Atul Khare on the possibility of engaging Bangladesh business sector in providing logistics and services support to UN peacekeeping missions.

The Under-Secretary General informed the foreign minister that his visit was primarily aimed at conveying the UN’s thanks and appreciation to Bangladesh for its highest contribution of troops and police to UN peacekeeping operations.

According to him, he decided to visit Bangladesh within six months of assuming office in order to exchange views with the concerned stakeholders.

The Under-Secretary General requested Bangladesh to contribute further addressing certain capability gaps in UN peacekeeping missions.

Atul Khare appreciated the role of Bangladesh’s female peacekeepers, and urged the major troops and police contributing countries to deploy more women in the missions.

He also underscored the need for minimizing the carbon footprint of UN peacekeeping missions to promote environmental protection.

The Under-Secretary General expressed his wish to work together with Bangladesh foreign ministry to organize outreach events for building civilian capacities for UN peacekeeping missions.

The Under-Secretary also addressed a public lecture at the ministry on ‘The Challenges of Providing Support to UN Peace Operations’ where he elaborated on the UN’s focus on ensuring rapidity, efficiency and effectiveness in providing field support to UN peacekeeping missions.

BDST: 1825 HRS, SEPT 14, 2015
RR/SMS