The Crime Desk: Today is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Like other countries in the world, the day is being celebrated with due dignity in Bangladesh this year. The outstanding contribution of peacekeepers from all countries of the world participating in UN peacekeeping operations will be remembered with deep respect on this day. Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has given a message on the occasion of the day.
Bangladesh has undertaken various programs at the national level to celebrate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The day’s programs will begin this morning by commemorating the peacekeepers. Home Affairs Advisor Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury will inaugurate the ‘Peacekeepers’ Run/Rally-2025′ program as the chief guest. Later, a reception for the injured peacekeepers and a special program on UN peacekeeping operations will be held at the program organized at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will be present as the chief guest at the program. Among others, members of the Advisory Council, ambassadors of various countries in Bangladesh, high commissioners, UN resident coordinators in Bangladesh, chiefs of the three services, principal staff officers of the Armed Forces Division, the inspector general of police, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and media personalities, as well as senior military and civilian officials, will be present.
Message from the Chief Advisor:
Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus gave a message on the occasion of the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.’ He said, ‘The armed forces have set an exemplary example by standing by the people during the mass uprising of students, workers, and the masses in July-August and in the subsequent period to maintain peace and order in Bangladesh. I firmly believe that the armed forces and police members, who are experienced in peacekeeping operations, will work tirelessly to prevent conflict, protect civilians, ensure human rights, and establish peace. Bangladesh believes in the culture of peace, tolerance, and the practice of humanity. Our continued participation in UN peacekeeping missions is a symbol of our strong commitment to establishing peace and stability in the world. I hope that in the future, our peacekeepers will also make Bangladesh well known in the world as a peace-building country through their professional skills, courage, unique human qualities, self-sacrifice, and dedication.’
2,558 members of the armed forces have participated in peacekeeping in 43 countries:
Since 1988, Bangladesh has successfully completed 63 peacekeeping missions or activities in about 43 countries or locations. 2,558 peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces have participated in these missions. Currently, a total of 5,818 peacekeepers from Bangladesh are deployed in 10 countries/locations. Of these, 444 are women. According to the Armed Forces Division (AFD), 144 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) have sacrificed their lives in peacekeeping operations in the world so far. 141 of them are members of the army.
Bangladesh Police in Peacekeeping:
According to the information of the Police Headquarters, the march of Bangladesh Police in the UN peacekeeping mission began in 1989 with the Namibia mission. From the beginning till today, 21,815 peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Police have served with professionalism and reputation in 26 missions in 24 countries. 24 peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Police have dedicated their lives to world peacekeeping. Currently, 199 peacekeepers, including 128 men and 71 women, are deployed in the UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Central Africa. Female members of Bangladesh Police have been participating in UN peacekeeping activities since 2000. Already, 1,927 female police peacekeepers have successfully completed their duties in various peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh, which was once the top peacekeeper-sending country, has now become a role model for many countries.
