This is a significant involvement as Bangladesh contingents will replace the Interim Emergency Multinational Force (EIMF) from the European Union led by the French Armed Forces.

The multinational force was deployed as an emergency measure with the Security Council authorisation (Resolution 1,484) of May 30. The EIMF mandate ends September 1.

Bangladesh's deployment of peacekeepers in Congo will take place under the existing authorised strength of 8,700 for MONUC.

The United Nations decided to increase the strength of UN Missions in Congo (MONUC) by deploying a more robust force. In June last year, the UN approached Bangladesh to provide one Mechanised Infantry Battalion, one Logistic Unit, one Aviation Unit with 05 MI 17 Helicopter, one Airfield Support Unit and one Task Force MP Unit.

Contingents of Bangladesh were originally planned for deployment in Kinshasa and Kindu in the northeastern part of Congo.

In view of the recent crisis (fighting between ethnic groups Hema and Lendu and the opposing rebel groups - MLC and RCD) in Ituri region in the northeast of Congo, the UN offered Bangladesh to deploy there, as Task Force 2, to take over the command of Sector-6. Bangladesh agreed to provide the required force.

A Reconnaissance Team from Bangladesh Armed Forces visited the Mission area MONUC from May 2-14 this year in this connection.

Later, a two-member team from Bangladesh Armed Forces visited UN Headquarters in New York from June 12-14 and negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

A 6-member preparatory team from the UN visited Bangladesh from June 26 to July 2 to finalise details of deployment, said a PID handout.

A EU-French team also visited Bangladesh from June 30 to July 1 to discuss the peace process in the DRC and the issues related to transition between EU Emergency Force and Bangladesh Contingents under UN flag, the handout added.