UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep shock at the death of three peacekeepers from Bangladesh following the detonation of explosive ordnance against a convoy of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.
“The Secretary-General is deeply saddened,” Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a statement on Wednesday, according to UNB.
Three UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh -- Jahangir Alam, Jashim Uddin and Sharif Hossain – were killed and another Bangladeshi peacekeeper was injured following the detonation of the explosive weaponry. The injured peacekeeper remains in critical condition.
The secretary-general expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the government and the people of Bangladesh. “He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The secretary-general recalled that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.
He called on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.
The secretary-general called upon the Central African authorities to lift the restriction on night flights that negatively impacts the safety and security of peacekeepers who take considerable risks daily to support national authorities.
He reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and government of the Central African Republic.
Meanwhile, according to another UNB report, United Nations in Bangladesh expressed its profound grief at the untimely death of three Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of Jahangir Alam, Jashim Uddin and Sharif Hossain who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said a press statement on Wednesday.
The UN in Bangladesh wished speedy recovery to Major Ashraful Haque, who is injured and receiving treatment.
United Nations peacekeepers take on considerable risks in the line of duty, said the UN office in Bangladesh.
“Today and every day we stand in solidarity with the women and men who stake their lives and well-being in service of peace, and honour their sacrifice,” the statement reads.