Dhaka, Dec 20 (V7N) — The bodies of six Bangladesh Army soldiers, killed in a terrorist drone attack while serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Abyei, Sudan, will arrive in Dhaka on Saturday, December 20. They will be accorded full state honors during their funeral and burial.

The aircraft carrying the fallen peacekeepers departed from Entebbe Airport, Uganda, at 7:00 PM Bangladesh time on Friday, December 19. It is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 11:15 AM on Saturday. The soldiers will receive proper state ceremonial honors upon their return to Bangladesh.

The tragic incident occurred on December 13 at the Kadugli logistics base under the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei, Sudan, when a drone attack by an armed separatist group killed six soldiers and injured nine others. The injured are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, with several already discharged and the rest in stable condition.

The fallen peacekeepers are Corporal Md. Masud Rana from Natore, Soldier Md. Mominul Islam and Soldier Shanto Mondal from Kurigram, Soldier Shamim Reza from Rajbari, Mess Waiter Mohammad Jahangir Alam from Kishoreganj, and Laundry Worker Md. Sabuj Mia from Gaibandha. The injured include Lieutenant Colonel Khondkar Khalekuzzaman, Sergeant Md. Mostakim Hossain, Corporal Afroza Parvin Iti, Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam, Soldier Md. Mezboul Kabir, Soldier Md. Umme Hani Akter, Soldier Chumki Akter, and Soldier Md. Manazir Ahsan.

Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace and security has been long recognized. Since its first UN peacekeeping deployment in 1988 in Iraq and Iran, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have played an exemplary role in maintaining stability, providing humanitarian assistance, and protecting civilians in conflict zones worldwide. The soldiers in Sudan were part of Bangladesh’s long-standing contribution to the UN, serving in challenging conditions across multiple missions in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere.

Their sacrifices exemplify Bangladesh’s dedication to international peace, demonstrating professionalism, courage, and humanitarian service. The fallen soldiers’ return home marks a solemn moment for the nation, honoring their bravery and commitment under the United Nations flag.

Bangladeshi peacekeepers have historically engaged not only in military operations but also in supporting local communities through education, healthcare, reconstruction, and women and children’s empowerment, earning global recognition as reliable partners in peacekeeping. The six soldiers who lost their lives in Abyei embodied these values, risking their lives to safeguard global peace and stability.

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