Bangladeshi forces have always been continuing applaussable works in the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces (UNPKF). Wherever they are going locals quickly accept and embrace them as kind-hearted genuine friends. In the DR of Congo, the Bangladesh rapidly deployed battalions are playing vital role in ensuring peace. Bangladeshi peace keepers have been successful in bringing peace in Congo, a restive nation that had sadly plunged into three deadly civil wars in less than twenty years. Now they have initiated several programs at their own expenses, for providing orientation and vocational training to the locals. In Bunia,  the Capital of the DR of Congo, a huge-sized plaque is on display saying - peace begins with a smile - at the headquarters of Bangladesh RDB.

Bridge Commander, Brig. Gen. Ihteshamus Samad Chowdhury said, "Its not part of our primary responsibilities, but with our own funds and resources, we have been providing them [the people of Congo] with free medical services, and computer training for youths, and also helping them promote their culture ".

When cholera outbreak suddenly in Congo in April 2018, Bangladesh Peace Keepers provided medical help to around two thousand inmates in Bunia central jail. Commenting on this assistance, Maj. Ferdous, a medical officer in Bangladesh army said, " The United Nations and the jail authorities requested us, and we started providing medical services to them[the prison inmates]".

Bunia Central Jail authorities felt extremely grateful to the Bangladesh peace keepers, for providing medical services at that crucial time.

This was not the first time that Bangladesh Peace Keepers went beyond their formal responsibilities to help Congolese people.

Like most of the African nations, DR of Congo also has reserves of precious mineral resources such as uranium, diamond, gold and cobalt. But, unfortunately, around 63percent of the 81 million population live in poverty. This is not only in Congo, but most of the African nations. If the African nations can make best use of their mineral resources, within the span of ten years, Africa can emerge as one of the wealthiest and prosperous continent in the world.

Most of the Africans are hard working and dedicatedly committed to their responsibilities. The entire continent needs creation of job opportunities for millions of young people. Moreover, a deeper and closer connections between African nations and the prospering nations in the Asian continent is extremely important. Africans can learn from Asia - how to make best use of their mineral resources and manpower.

In my personal opinion, prospering Asian nations, including Bangladesh should look into the prospect of establishing joint- venture projects in different sectors with the African countries. Asia and Africa should prosper together!

The author is a political and defense analyst in Bangladesh