On this day, we fondly remember the peacekeepers deployed around the world who risk their lives to establish peace in conflict zones. In this journey, the Bangladesh Army holds a special place. For many years, Bangladesh has participated in UN peacekeeping missions, proving its commitment to global peace. As a result, Bangladesh has earned the image of a “flag-bearer of peace” on the international stage.
Currently, among nearly 60,000 personnel from various national militaries deployed in UN peacekeeping missions across the world, 6,924 are Bangladeshi officers and soldiers, serving in 11 missions across 12 countries/regions. This has established Bangladesh as one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping under the United Nations’ leadership.
Historically, Bangladesh’s armed forces began contributing to UN peacekeeping operations in 1988. Since then, Bangladesh has actively participated in peacekeeping efforts in numerous crisis-prone regions such as Congo, Darfur, Liberia, Haiti, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Mali, and many others. The Bangladeshi peacekeepers have carried messages of solidarity, friendship, and security while upholding the values of humanity, even in the most challenging environments. For these contributions, the UN and the global community have praised Bangladesh, describing it as a “messenger of peace diplomacy.”
Notably, Bangladeshi female military personnel have also set proud examples as peacekeepers. In 2014, the first two female pilots joined a peacekeeping mission. It’s worth mentioning that the UN General Assembly declared May 29 as “United Nations Peacekeepers Day” through Resolution 57/129, recognizing global efforts to bring peace to conflict zones. This date is significant because on May 29, 1948, the UN’s first peacekeeping operation began in Palestine with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
Bangladeshi peacekeepers not only work to maintain ceasefires or prevent conflict; they also play crucial roles in local welfare, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. They help build schools, provide healthcare, promote children’s education, and empower women. These activities enhance local communities’ trust and sense of security alongside peacebuilding efforts. In this way, Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces are recognized not just as armed soldiers but also as soldiers of humanity.
Currently, Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is providing highly positive and visionary leadership. Under his command, Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions has become stronger and more efficient. General Waker-Uz-Zaman has focused on the modernization and capacity-building of the army, ensuring a more effective role in peacekeeping operations. His special attention to international relations and military diplomacy has also contributed to enhancing Bangladesh’s global standing.
On this long road to safeguarding world peace, Bangladesh has established itself internationally as a neutral and reliable country. This has not only boosted military capacity but has also elevated Bangladesh’s diplomatic strength and humanitarian image. Behind this success lies the dedication and patriotism of every member of the armed forces, and the capable leadership of both past and present army chiefs deserves praise.
However, the challenges of peacekeeping missions are no small matter. Peacekeepers must work in dangerous environments, face threats from armed rebel groups in various countries, and operate with limited resources. They also need to adapt to and respect the local cultures, languages, and religious sentiments. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have set excellent examples of skill and tolerance in facing these challenges.
Since the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948, nearly 3,800 military, police, and civilian personnel have lost their lives due to violence, accidents, and disease. Bangladesh has lost 168 peacekeepers. Notably, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Faizul Karim, the leader of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping force in Namibia (UNTAG), died in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1989. He was the first Bangladeshi officer to die on a peacekeeping mission abroad. Subsequently, 128 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been awarded the “Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.”
Of course, peace is needed everywhere—not just in other countries, but also within one’s own nation. Guided by that vision, under the leadership of General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Bangladesh Army is also working firmly on the country’s internal security and peace processes. He says, “The army is the trust and hope of the people, and our duty is to fulfill that trust.” Alongside improving domestic peace and order, he encourages the military to work with social and humanitarian values. In today’s critical times, all citizens are united in a pledge of solidarity alongside the armed forces under his firm leadership.
In conclusion, the contributions of Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces to UN missions are not just a source of pride for the country but also serve as an inspiration for the entire world. Their sacrifices and professionalism have enhanced Bangladesh’s significance and reputation in global peacebuilding efforts.
Author: Political Analyst, Poet, and Fiction Writer.