A total of 111 members of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) left Dhaka for the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday to replace the existing contingent deployed in the United Nations peacekeeping mission there.

The personnel departed on a United Nations-chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight as part of the rotation of the 135-member BAF Utility Aviation Unit contingent serving under the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The new contingent, Utility Aviation Unit-23, will be led by Air Commodore A T M Irfanur Rahmen.

A special munajat was offered at the departure lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before the contingent's departure, seeking its success and excellence in carrying out the mission.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Rushad Din Asad and senior BAF officers were present at the airport to see off the personnel.

Earlier, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan briefed the contingent members at Air Headquarters on November 1 and offered a special munajat for the success of their mission.

Addressing the personnel, he advised them to perform their duties with honesty, professionalism and sincerity and bring honour to the Bangladesh Air Force and the country.

The BAF said its personnel had earned a good reputation in DR Congo through their efficient, professional and sincere efforts in carrying out peacekeeping duties and helping mitigate conflicts.