The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday released the identities of Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed and injured in a terrorist drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region.

The deceased peacekeepers are Corporal Md Masud Rana of the Army Service Corps from Natore; Soldier Md Mominul Islam (Bir) of Kurigram; Soldier Shamim Reza (Bir) of Rajbari; Soldier Shanta Mondol (Bir) of Kurigram; Mess Waiter Mohammad Jahangir Alam of Kishoreganj; and Laundry Worker Md Sabuj Mia of Gaibandha.

Those injured are Lt Col Khondkar Khalekuzzaman, of the Ordnance Corps from Kushtia; Sergeant Md Mostakim Hossain (Bir) of Dinajpur; Corporal Afroza Parvin Iti of Signals from Dhaka; Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam of EME from Barguna; Soldier Md Mezbaul Kabir (Bir) of Kurigram; Soldier Umme Hani Akter of Engineering from Rangpur; Soldier Chumki Akter of Ordnance from Manikganj; and Soldier Md Manajir Ahsan (Bir) of Noakhali.

The attack took place at the Kadugli Logistic Base under the UN peacekeeping mission between 3:40pm and 3:50pm (local time) on Saturday.

According to the ISPR, a separatist armed group targeted the base by drones while Bangladeshi peacekeepers were on duty.

The injured are receiving treatment while Mezbaul underwent a surgery and remains under close observation, according to the ISPR. 

The rest of the injured were airlifted for advanced medical care and they are out of danger.

Condemning the ‘heinous terrorist attack’ strongly, the Bangladesh Army said the sacrifice of the fallen peacekeepers would remain a proud testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace.

It also expressed deep condolences for the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.