Major Majharul Nowshad is a 29-year-old army officer from Bangladesh currently deployed to UNMISS. In this interview, he speaks about being an Operations Officer and protecting civilians in a deep field location in the world’s newest country.

Tell us about your job at UNMISS and the impact you feel you have had on the ground?

I always wanted to serve under the blue flag of the United Nations, and I have to say that being deployed to UNMISS was a dream come true. I was posted in Kuajok in Warrap state and was part of the mission’s ongoing efforts to become more responsive and agile in protecting civilians who need our help the most through mobile, temporary bases. Despite COVID-19, we managed to scale down cross-border tensions and reduce chances of displacement and loss of life through this approach.

I think another area we have had a lasting impact on South Sudanese communities are the large-scale road repairs done by UNMISS engineers. I was given the chance to lead one such effort as a Force Protection Officer and I’ve witnessed firsthand the difference we made in terms of access to healthcare, increase in trade and travel for local populations in the area.

The global pandemic also brought us together in our efforts to promote awareness of COVID-19 prevention measures among the people we are here to serve. Overall, being a UN peacekeeper has been an immensely rewarding experience for me.

What do you like most about the work you do?

I joined the Bangladesh Army to serve my country. Because of that decision, I now have the chance to help people and build peace in the world’s youngest nation. Every patrol counts, every night duty counts, every humanitarian effort counts…so, what gives me the most satisfaction is the opportunity to serve and make a difference. It is a privilege.

What’s one thing you have learned since starting your mission?

South Sudan has really opened my eyes to the incredible job the UN does in unimaginably tough conditions. I’ve learned so much from colleagues who serve in different armies and even from civilian colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The biggest takeaway for me is the fact that it’s all about teamwork. Keeping the peace isn’t an easy job, but if any organization can do it, it’s UN Peacekeeping!