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Peacekeepers not equipped properly
[Bangla Daily Star] The Bangladeshi troops engaged in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions face a dearth of equipment, though their work abroad earn them around Tk 1,200 crore a year. The crisis is acute in 19 contingents across Liberia, Sudan, Ivory Coast and Congo. At present, Bangladesh has 8,083 soldiers stationed in 11 missions in 10 countries, says a report of the army.
It says the troops under the UN flag do not have enough armoured personnel carriers (APC), water treatment plants, bulldozers, generators, rollers and freezers--all necessary to carry out their duties properly. For instance, it mentions, the army needs at least four water treatment plants for the UN mission in Liberia, but all four plants there remain out of use. The field regiment artillery deployed in Sudan needs 17 APCs, but they have to make do with 12, as five APCs are out of order. Arms, heavy vehicles and other military equipment are needed to be purchased so the Bangladesh troops in UN missions are considered well-equipped and dynamic. In fiscal years 2004-08, on average around six percent of the funds allocated for the army was spent on defence purchase. During the same period, the purchase for UN peacekeeping missions took up an average of 8.46 percent of the funds, says the report. Apart from the inadequacy of equipment, it cites the army's limitations in sending troops within a short period of time. "If a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is formed, it can be sent to UN peacekeeping missions at short notice, as well. And that will elevate the force's image abroad." Posted by: Fred 2009-06-10 |
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