ISPR reveals identities of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday disclosed the identities of the six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a drone attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei.

At least eight peacekeepers were also injured in the attack on the Kadugli logistics base on Saturday.

According to an ISPR press release, the attack was carried out by a separatist armed group between 3:40pm and 3:50pm local time while the peacekeepers were on duty at the UN base.

The peacekeepers killed in the attack are: Corporal Md Masud Rana, ASC (Natore) Sainik Md Mominul Islam, Bir (Kurigram) Sainik Shamim Reza, Bir (Rajbari) Sainik Shanta Mondal, Bir (Kurigram) Mess Waiter Mohammad Jahangir Alam (Kishoreganj) Laundry employee Md Sabuj Mia (Gaibandha).

The injured peacekeepers are: Lieutenant Colonel Khondaker Khalekuzzaman, PSC, Ordnance (Kushtia); Sergeant Md Mostakim Hossain; Bir (Dinajpur) Corporal Afroza Parvin Eti; Signals (Dhaka) Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam; EME (Barguna) Sainik Md Mezbaul Kabir; Bir (Kurigram) Sainik Umme Hani Akter; Engineers (Rangpur) Sainik Chumki Akter, Ordnance (Manikganj); and Sainik Md Manazir Ahsan, Bir (Noakhali).

ISPR said all eight injured peacekeepers are receiving necessary medical treatment. Among them, Sainik Md Mezbaul Kabir underwent successful surgery after his condition was reported as critical. He is currently under close observation.

The remaining seven injured peacekeepers have been evacuated by helicopter for advanced treatment and are now out of danger, the statement said.

The Bangladesh Army strongly condemned what it described as a "brutal terrorist attack", saying that the sacrifice of the fallen peacekeepers would remain a proud testament to Bangladesh's commitment to global peace.

The army also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.