CAR seeks BD’s assistance for military training, agriculture

Central African Republic (CAR) has sought Bangladesh’s cooperation, especially in the fields of military training and agriculture, according to a report on UNB.

Central African Republic Defence Minister Marie-Noëlle Koyara sought the cooperation when a goodwill delegation from Bangladesh Army, led by Major General Mohammad Mashud Razzaq, paid a courtesy call on her at her office at Bangui on Friday.

During the meeting, Koyara expressed her gratitude and satisfaction over the activities of Bangladesh contingents that have been performing responsibilities under the MINUSCA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) since October 2014.

"Members of Bangladesh contingents have been conducting activities of civil military cooperation (CIMIC) on humanitarian grounds, including health, education and culture, alongside their regular operational activities," she said.

The defence minister further said, "We're very much happy at the activities of Bangladesh contingents. The Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been providing security to the Main Supply Road (MSR), which is the lifeline to the country used for shipping everything from Cameroon to the capital city of Bangui via Bouar."

She regretted as the Bangladeshi peacekeepers are facing various challenges and risks and reiterated her deep concern and condolence at the deaths of few Bangladeshi soldiers, who sacrificed their lives while performing duties.

Marie-Noëlle expressed her desire to visit Bangladesh, saying she wants to share ideas with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Central African Republic.

Bangladesh can extend its cooperation to provide military training, assistance in agriculture and some other sectors like health, education and garments, she noted.

In response, the Bangladeshi delegation head Major General Mohammad Mashud Razzaq assured that he would convey her message to the Bangladesh government through the proper channel.

A seven-member army delegation is now in UN mission areas as part of a 'goodwill visit'. Brig Gen Kh Md Mozammel Haque is among the delegation members.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh delegation had a meeting with the Force Commander of MINUSCA, SRSG and Deputy SRSG, and Sector Commanders, where each of them highly appreciated the standard and contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers with high steam.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic, the UN Security Council on April 10, 2014 authorised deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation - MINUSCA - for the protection of civilians as its utmost priority as well as other initial tasks including support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, reestablishment of state rules and repatriation processes.

MINUSCA is committed to free the country from illegal arms and will continue to ensure the safety and security of the civilians as well as strengthening of state authority.

At present, three contingents like BANBAT, BANMED and BANSF are performing peacekeeping missions under the MINUSCA.