A total of 270 Bangladesh Navy personnel, working as peacekeepers with the Bangladesh Contingent (Bancon)-8 under the United Nations Interim Force in the Lebanon (UNFIL) were awarded UN Peace Medals yesterday for their contribution to peace and stability of Lebanon.

UNIFIL Maritime Task Force (MTF) Commander Rear Admiral Sergio Fernando De Amaral Chaves Junior handed the awards to the Bangladesh peacekeepers at a ceremony on board BNS Ali Haider in Lebanon capital Beirut. The presentation of the medals was preceded by a colourful military parade.

In an address, read on behalf of the UN secretary general, UNIFIL Force Commander Rear Admiral Sergio Fernando De Amaral Chaves Junior said, “The medal that has just been pinned to your chests materialise the recognition and appreciation of the United Nation and UNIFIL for your important participation in the maritime task force, the sole naval component of a peacekeeping mission by the UN.”

The UNIFIL force commander said Bangladesh contingent can be proud of maintaining a long tradition of the country’s participation that dates back to 2010, when BNS Osman and BNS Madhumati joined the MTF. BNS Ali Haider and BNS Nirmal have been worthy of this tradition, through the accomplishment of numerous patrols and training activities, distinguishing themselves as valuable assets to the MTF.

“BANCON-8 has carries out all tasks assigned with great efficiency and military professionalism since the rotation of the ships crews six month ago, readily adapting national operating procedures to those employed by the MTF, in a clear demonstration of the capability and motivation of the contingent’s personnel,” he said.

The force commander also congratulated Bangladesh Navy peacekeepers for their level of commitment and said the navy men should wear the hard-earned medal with pride while rejoicing the unique experience of being sailors of peace.”

Commander- in-Chief of Lebanese Navy Rear Admiral Housni Daher, Bangladesh Ambassador in Lebanon Abdul Mutaleb Sarker, head of delegation of Bangladesh Navy Commodore Mohammad Nazmul Karim Kislu, commanding officer (CO) of BNS Ali Haider Captain ASM Afzalul Haque and CO of BNS Nirmul Captain ANM Istiak Jahan Faruki, senior naval officers of UNIFIL, and leaders of Bangladesh Community in Lebanon were present during the presentation ceremony.