99 Navy personnel leave Dhaka to join UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

A 99-member contingent of the Bangladesh Navy departed Dhaka for South Sudan on Tuesday (December 9) to join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). They will serve as the first group of Bangladesh Force Marine Unit–11, replacing the currently deployed Marine Unit–10.

The Navy stated that a second group of 39 peacekeepers will depart on December 19. The contingent will operate in remote riverine areas, providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring safe navigation of fuel and food barges, preventing piracy, firefighting, accident rescue, protecting civilian sailors, and transporting mission logistics.

For over three decades, the Bangladesh Navy has earned international recognition for professionalism and dedication in various UN missions, contributing significantly to rescue operations, emergency medical aid, and diving support.

In addition to South Sudan, the Navy’s warship BNS Banguja Sangram is actively serving in the UN’s sole maritime taskforce in the Mediterranean near Lebanon. Along the 1,311 km Blue Nile route, the unit has successfully completed 71 logistic operations.

Bangladesh Navy’s active participation in UN peacekeeping continues to enhance the country’s global reputation.