(JUBA) – A Bangladeshi peacekeeper serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been safely rescued after being abducted by an unidentified local group during a routine patrol.
The officer, Sub Inspector Md Ashekur Rahman of the Bangladesh Police, was deployed as an Individual Police Officer (IPO) with the UN peacekeeping mission.
According to an official media release signed by Md Manjur Rahman, Additional Inspector General of Police at Bangladesh Police Headquarters, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening at around 6:00pm local time while Rahman was on patrol with his unit.
The police statement confirmed that Rahman was briefly held by a local group but has since been safely rescued. He has now reunited with fellow Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in the country and is reported to be in good health.
UNMISS, which operates across South Sudan to support the country’s fragile peace process and protect civilians, has not released further details about the abduction or the group responsible. However, the safe recovery of the officer has been welcomed by officials in both Bangladesh and the United Nations.
The security situation in South Sudan remains tense in several regions, with isolated incidents of violence, abductions and armed clashes still reported in rural and border areas.
Bangladesh is one of the top contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations. As of mid-2025, Bangladeshi troops and police officers are deployed in multiple UN missions around the world, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
While the mission did not reveal the specific location of the abduction, such incidents often occur in areas where local armed groups remain active or where intercommunal tensions are high. South Sudan continues to face security challenges, particularly in regions outside government control or where local disputes can escalate quickly.
UN peacekeepers, including police officers, often carry out community patrols, support civilian protection, monitor human rights and assist in restoring rule of law in areas affected by past or ongoing conflict.
South Sudan continues to rely heavily on the support of international peacekeeping forces, humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement to rebuild institutions and ensure the safety of its population after years of civil war and displacement.
No financial demands or casualties were reported in connection with the abduction. Rahman is expected to resume his duties after debriefing and medical checks.
The Bangladeshi government has not issued an independent statement beyond the police press release, but officials have privately expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.
UNMISS has repeatedly called for respect for humanitarian law and the safety of all personnel deployed under international peace mandates.
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