BD Navy contingent departs Ctg for UN Peacekeeping mission in Lebanon

City Desk :

A team of 85 members of the Bangladesh Navy on Wednesday departed from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram to join the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission.

The naval personnel will embark on the Bangladesh Navy ship ‘Banuoja Sangram,’ deployed under the Bangladesh Contingent (BANCON-16) in Lebanon, according to ISPR release.

At the airport, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, represented by Chief Staff Officer Captain M Ashraful Alam, formally bid farewell to the departing sailors. Senior naval officials were also present at the occasion. Earlier, on November 19, 2025, another group of 25 naval personnel led by Captain Fahid Abdullah left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by commercial flight.

Meanwhile, on November 27, 2025, 110 naval members from BANCON-15 (UNIFIL) will return to Bangladesh. Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), provided essential guidance to the personnel departing for Lebanon, highlighting the importance of maintaining Bangladesh’s reputation internationally through honesty, dedication, and professional competence while contributing to global peace efforts under the UN mission.

Since 2010, Bangladesh Navy vessels have been actively engaged in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. As part of the Multinational Maritime Task Force in the Mediterranean Sea, Bangladesh Navy’s warships are the only ones from the subcontinent involved in global peacekeeping operations in this region.

The current naval ship, ‘Banuoja Sangram,’ is tasked with preventing illegal weapons and ammunition smuggling in Lebanese territory. The ship also conducts maritime interdiction operations in Lebanese waters, monitors suspicious ships and aircraft, carries out rescue operations for vessels in distress, and provides necessary training to Lebanese military personnel.

Additionally, medical services are regularly provided to Bangladesh nationals residing in Lebanon.
For over 15 years, Bangladesh Navy members deployed in Lebanon have diligently fulfilled their responsibilities with commitment and professionalism, playing a significant role in promoting world peace. This proud participation enhances Bangladesh’s international standing and reputation.