Bangladesh's first ever female commander, Col Dr Nazma Begum of Bangladesh Army, has departed for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast.

She along with her 56-member medical contingent departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via an UN charted aircraft on Saturday night, says a press release from Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR).

The contingent, which comprises of six more lady officers, will provide treatment at a level-2 hospital there.

Before her current position, Col Dr Nazma Begum was serving as the assistant director of medical services at 11 Infantry Division in Bogra.

Col Nazma was the first female commanding officer of 21 field ambulance in the history of Bangladesh Army, the release added.  

Bangladesh Army has been carrying out peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast since 2004 with reputation, efficiency, professionalism and sincerity, the release further said.