United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday appointed major general Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam from Bangladesh as the new head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp).

Alam served in the Bangladeshi army for more than 30 years, most recently as general commanding officer of the army training and doctrine command.

He previously served as a general officer and area commander in the 10 infantry division in the city of Cox Bazar in south-east Bangladesh. The major general is a native of Bengal and speaks English fluently.

He holds a PhD in international relations from the University of Jahangirnagar, Bangladesh, a Masters degree in national security strategy from the University of Washington DC in the United States, a Masters degree in in defence studiess from the national University of Bangladesh, as well as a Master of business administration from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Alam succeeds major general Erdenebat Batsuuri of Monglolia who held the position for two years from 2024.

In a recent interview, Batsuuri reviewed his time as head commander of Unficyp, describing it as both “challenging and deeply formative.”

“I hope Cyprus achieves a comprehensive, mutually acceptable settlement founded on dialogue and trust. UNFICYP’s efforts provide a foundation for this process. I remain confident that continued engagement, confidence-building, and commitment to coexistence will allow future generations to live in a peaceful and secure island,” he said.