The return of the bodies of two Bangladeshi soldiers from a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan to their home villages in Kurigram on Sunday, 21 December brought an atmosphere of deep sorrow and solemnity. Both soldiers were given full military honours during burial ceremonies held in their respective villages.
The remains of the soldiers were flown back via military helicopter and landed at the helipad in Ulipur Upazila. From there, Mohammad Mominul Islam’s body was transported to his family home in Uttar Pokndul village, Ulipur, while Shanto Mondal was taken to Chhat Madhai village, Rajarhat Upazila.
Family members, local residents, and military personnel attended the funerals, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers’ bravery and ultimate sacrifice for peacekeeping duties abroad.
| Soldier | Joined Bangladesh Army | Peacekeeping Mission | Family | Circumstances of Death |
| Mohammad Mominul Islam | 2008, Soldier | 2023 | Father of two daughters | Died during UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan |
| Shanto Mondal | 2018, Soldier | November 2023 | Married to Dilruba Akter Borshi; wife five months pregnant | Killed by rebel bomb attack in Sudan |
Mohammad Mominul Islam, who joined the Bangladesh Army in 2008, was deployed to the UN mission earlier this year. He leaves behind two young daughters and a grieving community in his home village. Locals expressed their sorrow, stating that his death has cast a shadow of grief over both his household and the wider village.
Shanto Mondal joined the army in 2018 and was sent to Sudan in November 2023 as part of the peacekeeping contingent. He was killed in a bomb attack by rebel forces. Mondal, married two years ago to Dilruba Akter Borshi, leaves behind a pregnant wife, now five months expecting. His family and neighbours mourned his untimely passing, recalling his dedication and commitment to service.
The funerals were conducted with full military honours, including ceremonial guard of honour, flag-draped coffins, and firing salutes. Villagers and officials alike gathered to pay their respects, reflecting on the sacrifices made by Bangladesh’s peacekeepers in volatile regions abroad.
Officials emphasised the importance of remembering and supporting the families of fallen soldiers, highlighting that such sacrifices ensure the nation’s reputation for contributing to global peace and security.