Waker returns after inspecting UN peacekeepers abroad

Chief of Army Staff Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman returned to the country on Friday after completing a five-day official visit.

During his trip, he inspected the activities of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Abyei.

Throughout the visit, Waker held exchange of views with the peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), providing various directives regarding the execution of their duties.

In South Sudan, he visited the Bangladesh Army’s Engineer Company, an Infantry Battalion, and the Bangladesh Navy’s Force Marine Unit. He then inspected another infantry battalion of the Bangladesh Army stationed in Abyei.

During his interactions with the peacekeepers in both mission areas, Waker emphasized “performing duties with professionalism, discipline, and dedication while maintaining maximum alertness”.

Moreover, he spoke with Bangladeshi staff officers, military observers, and contingent members to stay informed about their specific activities and the overall situation of the missions.

As part of his official schedule, Waker met separately with UNMISS Force Commander Major Gen Junhui Wu and UNISFA Force Commander Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha. Their discussions focused on the overall activities of the respective missions, the security situation, and various operational challenges.

Then he met with the Mission Leadership Team in Abyei, as well as the National Monitors of Sudan and South Sudan, to discuss diverse aspects of peacekeeping operations and the existing situation in the mission areas.

Waker also held courtesy meetings with the South Sudanese Minister of Defense Chol Thon Balok and the Chief of Defense Forces Gen Santino Deng Wol. During these engagements, the South Sudan Defense Forces honored him with a Guard of Honor.