Supreme sacrifice
The whole country is in extreme shock at the tragic death of nine Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers. They came under a fierce attack--the deadliest and worst ever on UN forces by local militias in the northeast part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For the first time, patrol teams were caught in an ambush that resulted in the murder of nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers. Two platoons of troops were part of a company protecting a camp for internally displaced people to ensure their security but it is unfortunate that the soldiers were not secure enough to protect themselves from such a criminal attack. The area is known to be a centre of ethnic violence, and attacks of such types are always expected. This incident gives rise to some critical questions that need to be answered properly with explanations. To what extent was the UN aware of the situation in those areas? How were the UN peacekeepers being briefed about the existing state of affairs? Was there any precaution taken for such hostilities, and if yes, what could have been their plan to combat such confrontation and finally why was the gun-battle one sided? Did the booby trap come into play? The attack seemed to be a very well executed ambush. It does prove that militias are strong and in a position to get involved in combat. According to several sources it is believed that the ambush was a premeditated and direct response to halt the peacekeepers' advancement. The area is a stronghold of several ethnic and political militias who are involved in looting the belongings of locals, murder and many illegal activities. Bangladeshi soldiers have been part of the UN peacekeeping (MONUC) mission since 1999 along with troops from Pakistan, Morocco and Nepal. A contingent of 1,300 troops has been working there since deployment in Congo.
Their contributions and heroic effort have given them the highest honor. They never stepped back in the face of extreme hostility and moved forward to establish peace with great determination. They have sacrificed their lives, putting Bangladesh in a honourable position. We pray for the departed souls and hope the Almighty will give their family members the strength to absorb the shock of this tragic incident.
It has been a legendary end to a heroic effort.
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