UN Chief Condoles Yunus Over Death of Peacekeepers

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday spoke with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to convey his deep condolences over the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack in Sudan.

“I am calling to express my profound condolences. I am devastated,” Guterres said, expressing shock and horror at the deadly attack on the UN facility.

The UN chief also expressed solidarity with Bangladesh and requested that his condolences be conveyed to the families of the fallen peacekeepers.

Professor Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the loss and urged the United Nations to ensure the swift evacuation of the injured soldiers to advanced medical facilities, as well as the prompt repatriation of the bodies of those killed.

Guterres informed him that the injured peacekeepers had initially received treatment at a local hospital in Sudan and that arrangements were being made to transfer the critically wounded to better-equipped medical centres.

Professor Yunus thanked the UN chief for his personal attention to the treatment and evacuation of the Bangladeshi personnel.

During the phone call, held around 7:00 pm (BST), Professor Yunus also recalled the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Bangladesh during the last Ramadan.

The two leaders discussed the country’s upcoming general election, with Professor Yunus assuring that the interim government would ensure a free, fair, peaceful and festive poll scheduled for February 12.

Guterres expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully conduct the election.