Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in peacekeeping operations, reflecting its commitment to international peace and stability. Since joining the United Nations (UN) in 1974, the country has consistently supported peacekeeping missions, aligning with its foreign policy of "Friendship to all, malice towards none".Despite being a young nation with limited resources, Bangladesh recognized the importance of contributing to global peace as a moral obligation.It always upholds its founding principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation. With decades of experience and deployment across the globe, contributions of Bangladesh to UN peacekeeping have made it a respected voice in the international community. Commitment of Bangladesh to global peace and stability is exemplified through robust participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs). Since its first deployment in 1988, the Bangladesh Army has established itself as one of the most significant contributors to UN missions. Bangladesh has earned international recognition for its professionalism, discipline, and dedication to the cause of peace. As of 2025, Bangladesh has deployed over 175,000 personnel to more than 60 UN missions across the globe, making it one of the largest troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in the world.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers perform a wide range of duties addressing the diverse needs of modern peacekeeping operations. Primarily Bangladeshi contingents are tasked with ensuring the safety and security of civilians, particularly women and children in conflict zones. Their ability to build trust with local communities is a cornerstone of their effectiveness. Besides, they provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflicts.From providing medical aid to building infrastructure, Bangladeshi peacekeepers often go beyond their primary mandate to address the pressing needs of affected populations.Specialized engineering units from Bangladesh have constructed roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure in remote and conflict-ridden areas, facilitating both military operations and civilian development.In addition to acting as a neutral force, Bangladeshi peacekeepers play a critical role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation among warring factions. They assist in disarming combatants, dismantling militias, and reintegrating former fighters into society. This is how peacekeeping serves as a tool for Bangladesh to project its values of peace and cooperation on the global stage.
Bangladesh has a commitment to global peace as a peace-loving nation. Its involvement in peacekeeping is driven by multiple factors. As a country that has experienced conflict and displacement, Bangladesh understands the importance of peace and stability. Participation in UN peacekeeping aligns with its moral obligation to support global peace. Engagement in complex missions provides Bangladeshi personnel with valuable training and experience, which in turn enhances the professionalism of its armed forces. On the other hand,peacekeeping provides financial incentives for Bangladeshi troops and strengthens the country's diplomatic standing. Contributions to peacekeeping enhance global image of Bangladesh and allow it to wield soft power on the international stage.Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been deployed in some of the most challenging conflict zones, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), South Sudan (UNMISS), and Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Bangladesh has been a pioneer in deploying female peacekeepers, recognizing the unique role women play in conflict zones. Every Bangladeshi contingent maintains a female engagement team to handle local female communities and addressgender-specific issues.
Peacekeeping entails intricate challenges that arise from the diverse and dynamic nature of conflicts and the environments in which peacekeepers operate.Although the contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are significant, they are also accompanied by many challenges.These challenges can be physical, political,and psychological, which often vary depending on the context of the mission.Deployment in remote or dangerous areas can result in loneliness and disconnection from family and loved ones. Peacekeepers may be viewed as foreign intruders, leading to hostility from local populations or armed groups.Misunderstandings stemming from cultural, religious, or linguistic differences can impede the establishment of trust and cooperation. They often operate in volatile regions where the risk of violence is very high, which include direct attacks from armed groups or being caught in crossfire, landmines, and other hazards.Deployments in remote areas with limited infrastructure and harsh climates pose significant logistical challenges, ranging from transporting supplies to maintaining communication. On the other hand, interacting with diverse populations requires cultural sensitivity, adaptability,and building trust with local communities.Maintaining neutrality is essential but difficult, as different factions may perceive peacekeepers as biased.Peacekeepers are often under intense scrutiny,and any perceived failure can attract international criticism.Over the years, the Bangladesh Army has faced casualties in its peacekeeping missions, with many soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Despite these losses, the country's commitment to peacekeeping remains steadfast.Their bravery is a testament to the country's commitment to peace. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have demonstrated those qualities very effectively.The rise of asymmetric warfare and non-state actors compels peacekeepers to adopt innovative strategies and advanced technology.
The perspective of a peacekeeper is often shaped by the challenges, responsibilities and emotions tied to their role. Although every peacekeeper's experience is unique, their perspective generally involves a blend of hope, resilience, frustration, and a deep sense of duty.From a peacekeeper's point of view, participation in UN missions is both an honour and a duty. Peacekeepers often feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect vulnerable populations and maintain international peace and security. They see themselves as guardians of human rights and mediators in times of chaos.Bangladeshi peacekeepers often describe their experiences as transformative, offering insights into the complexities of global conflicts and the resilience of affected communities. A peacekeeper's day involves patrolling, interacting with local leaders, providing aid, and often taking risk to save lives.Establishing relationships with local communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Peacekeepers often cherish moments of connection and collaboration with the people they are safeguarding.Even small steps, such as the safe return of refugees or a ceasefire that lasts for a few weeks, are regarded as significant achievements in a larger journey toward peace.Peacekeepers learn to adapt to physical hardships, from harsh weather conditions to living in dangerous and unstable areas.They often view their ability to remain calm and focused in volatile situations as a critical aspect of their identity.Despite the difficulties, many peacekeepers feel immense pride in their role, knowing they are part of an international effort to create a better future.Peacekeepers often hope that their efforts will lay the foundation for lasting peace, even if they don't see the results immediately.
The success of Bangladeshi peacekeepers is rooted in their rigorous training and preparation. Preparing for peacekeeping involve a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to equip individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to operate effectively in conflict and post-conflict zones. The Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) is a state-of-the-art facility that prepares personnel for the complexities of modern peacekeeping. The training includes understanding the cultural and social dynamics of the host country. They also need to understand the conflict resolution skills along with techniques for mediation and negotiation. They are trained on adapting to challenging environments and human rights awareness,whichensures that peacekeepers uphold the highest standards of human rights.It is crucial to understand the legal framework for civilian protection and the maintenance of human rights for the successful completion of the mission.Training onethical standards to prevent abuse, corruption, and misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, instills confidence in peacekeepers.BIPSOT also hosts international participants, further enhancing role of Bangladesh as a global leader in peacekeeping training. Continuously updating training modules to address emerging threats, such as cyber warfare and climate-induced conflicts, strengthens thetraining standard.Deployment of Bangladeshi female peacekeepers has set a benchmark for gender inclusivity in peacekeeping.Encouraging more women to join peacekeeping missions will strengthen the role of gender-sensitive approaches in conflict resolution.Continued investment in training, logistics, and equipment is essential to maintain the effectiveness of Bangladeshi peacekeepers.Collaborating with other countries and international organizations can enhance the capabilities and impact of peacekeeping missions.
The contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers have left a lasting impact andwidespread recognition in numerous missions. A good numberof peacekeepers have been awarded UN medals for their exceptional service.Bangladeshi officers have held key leadership positions in UN missions, showcasing the nation's expertise and commitment. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have played a critical role in protecting displaced populations and facilitating humanitarian aid in different missions. Their efforts in building infrastructure and providing medical care have won the hearts of local communities. The engineering units have built critical infrastructure in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Central African Republic. In Haiti (MINUSTAH),after the devastating earthquake in 2010, Bangladeshi peacekeepers were instrumental in relief efforts, helping to restore stability and rebuild essential infrastructure.Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is one of the most dangerous missions, where Bangladeshi troops have helped disarm militias, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.Bangladesh's contributions to peacekeeping have strengthened its position as a responsible member of the international community. The financial remuneration from peacekeeping missions benefits both the personnel and the national economy. Peacekeepers gain valuable skills and experience that benefit the Bangladesh Armed Forces and the country as a whole.
Participating in UN peacekeeping operations has had a profound impact on Bangladesh.Commitment of Bangladesh to global peace is not just a reflectionofthe values of compassion, courage, and cooperation but also a manifestation of its aspiration tobe a force for good in the world. Unwavering commitment of Bangladesh to global peace through itscontributionsto UN peacekeeping missionsunderscores the country's dedication to fostering stability and security worldwide. From its historical roots to its current leadership in peacekeeping, Bangladesh has proven that even a developing country can play a transformative role on the global stage.Their commitment stems from the belief that they are contributing to a greater purpose-protecting humanity, preventing conflict and fostering hope in the most vulnerable parts of the world. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, efforts ofBangladesh at peacekeeping remain a beacon of hope and a model for other countries to emulate, embodying the true spirit of peacekeeping.Peacekeepers often feel that their presence symbolizes hope and solidarity to local populations, showing that the world cares about their struggles.
