Bangladesh may lead international force to Somalia

Dhaka, Sep 28 (IANS) Bangladesh may be the lead country to provide its army personnel for the United Nations-backed 'stabilising force' in Somalia.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the UN headquarters in New York Friday during which this was discussed.

Ban is expected to visit Bangladesh Nov 1, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) news agency reported from New York.

Ban said the details of the international stabilising force for Somalia will be discussed during his expected visit to Bangladesh Nov 1.

He also appreciated the role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UN missions, The Daily Star newspaper said Sunday.

Dhaka is one of the major contributors to the 'Blue Berets', the UN forces in various trouble spots, sending an estimated 40,000 officers and soldiers.