Two Bangladeshi peacekeepers die in CAR road crash

At least two Bangladeshis, who are part of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), were killed and two others were injured in a road crash on Saturday evening.

The dead were identified as soldier Arjan Hawlader, 34, of E-Bengal in Faridpur and Mohammad Ripul Mia, 35, of Division Locating Battalion Artillery in Rangpur. The injured were soldier Md Jamal Uddin Molla, 34, of E-Bengal in Faridpur and soldier Md Majahidul Islam, 36, of AD Regiment Artillery in Naogaon.

All of them were members of the Bangladesh Battalion-4 (Banabat-4), engaged in UN peacekeeping missions.

The accident took place as a heavy timber carrying conveyor lost control on the way at Yaloke area, leaving the two dead and two injured on the spot.

The injured were taken to capital city Bangui for treatment. Other peacekeepers stationed in CAR are safe.

Bangladesh Battalion has been engaged in the UN peacekeeping programme since October 2014.