The first United Nations peacekeepers were deployed in the Middle East on 29 May 1948 and since then more than a million peacekeepers have been deployed in 71 missions across the globe to guarantee peace to billions of people.
Bangladesh's consistent participation originates from her constitutional obligation to maintain peace, freedom and justice across the world. It also stems from her sacrifice in the war of liberation in 1971. It also originated from our foreign policy's main theme "Friendship to all and malice to none". Hence, there is a strong political and national will to participate in the peacekeeping operations.
Bangladesh Army first deployed 15 military observer/peacekeepers in United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in 1988. Since then Bangladesh Army has deployed one lac 32 thousands and 837 of its peacekeepers in 54 missions spread across 40 different countries. So far a total of 311 female Army officers already completed their UN mission and presently 68 female officers are deployed. In discharging their solemn duties under the UN Flag, a total of 117 Army peacekeepers made supreme sacrifice among a total of more than 3.700 UN peacekeepers killed in peacekeeping duty. A total of 209 Army peacekeepers were injured.
Major SaniaTasnim Chowdhury is one of the female officers who completed her UN mission. She served in UN mission in DR Congo from 30 November 2018 to 28 February 2019. She was appointed as Logistics Officer there. She used to prepare whole contingent before deployment to fulfill the logistics requirement in mission area. She was also appointed to maintain all logistic equipment, arms and ammunition so that contingent can run its operational duty smoothly.
Besides, she said, her responsibility was conducting investigation where women were involved and close investigation to a female was required. Major Sania said, UN mission was a multinational male dominating work place which was indeed very challenging for a female officer. She did her best to merge with the environment and worked hard to earn her respect, she added. Major Sania further said that her true dedication towards work helped her to establish a strong foothold inside the male dominating work place. At the same time her colleagues were very helpful and they recognized her work with due appreciation, Major Sania Tasnim Chowdhury observed.
A total of six Army officers were appointed as Force Commanders of UN peacekeeping mission so far. Moreover, a total of 51 BD Army officers were appointed as Sector Commanders/Brigade Commanders in UN peacekeeping mission. Those are Major General Mohammad Abdus Salam, Lt. General Abu Tayeb Muhammad Zahirul Alam, Major General Abdul Hafiz, Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Brigadier General Anisur Rahman. Major General Abdul Hafiz was made Force Commander two times.
Since its induction to UNPKO in 1988 the number of Bangladesh Forces has kept on increasing. Bangladesh became a top troops contributing country by early 2000 which has been maintained all through. This is a clear manifestation of Bangladeshi peacekeeper's impartial commitment, professionalism dedication and adaptability. The deployment had been in the far-flung areas stretching Cambodia, Haiti, Congo, West Sahara, Sierra Leone, West Africa, Sudan, Darfur, Middle East, Mali, Central Africa, Somalia, Uganda etc. However, most of the deployments were and are in Africa. As part of the UNIKOM, Bangladesh Army sent a mechanized infantry brigade in Kuwait after Gulf War.
Bangladesh Army's quick rise in the UN peacekeeping role is being discussed in the international media and academic circle. They are lauded for their professionalism, sincerity, strict discipline, high standard and devotion to their UN duties.
It is believed that the UN peace operations will continue in the years to come as conflicts are continuing across the world. However the nature of the conflicts and the evolving strategic scenario are likely to create new dimensions and more demand for robust peacekeeping operations. Moreover, in the process of increasing global partnership and regional influence, the large contribution of forces by Bangladesh may face some challenges. Hence, Bangladesh needs to remain focused to meet these challenges. These can be met with quality representations, high professionalism and competency over other troops contributing countries.
Thus, it is imperative to have on integrated approach for all of its forces with a clear national policy and this has already been raised by a few scholars. This policy can also be on retention of the foreign policy to enhance national interest in the countries where peace has been restored with the help of our forces.
Presently Bangladesh Army peacekeepers are facing some challenges in UN mission. Tom overcome these challenges Bangladesh Army is providing world standard training to the peacekeepers, procuring modern equipment, arms, ammunitions and vehicles including surveillance equipment etc. Bangladesh army also provided them night vision goggles and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected. It is to be noted that Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT) primarily provides excellent training on tactical and operational issues of peacekeeping.
The performance of Bangladesh contingents has been described as being of the highest order and the appointment of several senior Bangladesh Army officers as the Force Commander of UN peacekeeping mission, Senior Military Liaison Officers, may be seen as further recognition of the Bangladesh Army's growing esteem in the peace keeping community.
The writer is an Assistant Director, ISPR
