Three Bangladeshi peacekeepers to the United Nations have been killed and four others injured in explosions during a clash with criminals in Mali, Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said today.

Those dead were Sergeant Altaf, Lance Corporal Zakirul, and Soldier Monwar, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Rashidul Hasan, director of the ISPR told The Daily Star this evening.

Bangladeshi peacekeepers locked into clashes with criminals in Mali of Africa yesterday (Saturday) and fended off the criminals successfully, the ISPR official said.

Today, the peacekeepers were ambushed by a much stronger criminal group while returning to their camp. At one stage, some improvised explosive devices (IED) exploded and killed the three Bangladeshis, ISPR said.

Those injured were Maj Zadid, Corporal Mahim, Soldier Sabuj, and Soldier Sarwar. They were taken to Gao for batter treatment, he added.