2 Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in storm

Two Bangladeshi police constables on the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali were killed and five others injured in a storm on Sunday.

The dead are Motahar Hossain, 28, and Samidul Islam, 30, said a press release of police headquarters in Dhaka yesterday.

The storm swept over Bangladesh contingent in the West African country around 5:30pm local time.

The two died and five others wounded as a structure collapsed on them during the storm, said sources at the police headquarters.

The other members of the contingent are safe.

Motahar and Samidul joined the peacekeeping mission on May 2 this year, according to the press release. 

Hailing from Charpathalia village of Munshiganj, Motahar joined Bangladesh Police in 2007. He left behind his parents, wife, two brothers and three sisters. 

Samidul, of Butmari village in Sherpur, joined Bangladesh Police in 2005. He left behind his parents, wife, eight-year-old son and two-year-old daughter.

After completing all formalities, the bodies will be brought to Bangladesh, says the release.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque mourned the deaths.

In a condolence message, the IGP said Bangladesh Police is deeply shocked over their untimely deaths. Their contributions to the UN peacekeeping activities will be remembered forever.

The IGP conveyed condolence to the victims' families and sought salvation of the departed souls.