The UNFICYP’s new commander has been appointed, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres naming Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhaj Ul Alam to lead the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
He succeeds Major General Erdenebat Batsuuri of Mongolia, whom the Secretary-General thanked for his dedication and service during his tenure.
Extensive military leadership experience
The UNFICYP’s new commander brings more than 30 years of leadership and command experience in the Bangladesh Army.
Most recently, he served at the Army Training and Doctrine Command as General Officer Commanding. Between 2024 and 2026, he held the roles of General Officer Commanding of the 10th Infantry Division and Area Commander in Cox’s Bazar. He also served as Commandant of the Armed Forces War Course in 2024.
Earlier in his career, he held multiple command and staff positions in infantry formations, including roles in counterterrorism operations, internal security, disaster response and intelligence-based missions.
Experience in UN peacekeeping missions
UNFICYP’s new commander has also served in United Nations peacekeeping operations. He was Sector Commander in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic from 2020 to 2021, and previously served as a military observer in the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor between 1999 and 2000.
Academic background
He holds a PhD in International Relations from Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh, a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, a Master’s in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh, and an MBA from the University of Dhaka.
In addition to his native language, he is fluent in English.
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