At a time when wars, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty are reshaping the global landscape, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations are facing one of the deepest crises in their history.
While conflicts continue to escalate across parts of Africa and the Middle East, peacekeeping missions are grappling with shrinking personnel numbers and declining financial support.
According to a recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, UN peacekeeping operations are facing their most severe challenges in 25 years, with global deployments of military, police and civilian personnel nearly halved over the past decade. Funding gaps, geopolitical divisions, AI-driven disinformation, cyber threats and complex regional conflicts have further strained missions worldwide.
Despite this, Bangladesh remains a trusted and consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping, with its personnel continuing to serve with professionalism, humanity and impartiality in some of the world’s most high-risk conflict zones.
Starting in 1988 with just 15 military observers, Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping has grown into a major presence, with thousands of Armed Forces and Police personnel now serving across multiple missions. Their work in conflict zones such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon and the Central African Republic has earned global recognition, further strengthened by the growing participation of Bangladeshi women in uniformed roles.
As the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed, the focus extends beyond honouring sacrifices to stressing the need for stronger political commitment, funding and international cooperation to sustain peacekeeping in a changing global landscape. Bangladesh remains a key and reliable partner in that effort.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Like many other countries, Bangladesh observes the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29 with deep respect and dignity. However, due to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the official observance in Bangladesh will be held on June 5 this year.
Rashedul Alam Khan, assistant director of the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune.
UN peacekeeping since World War II
Since the launch of UN peacekeeping operations in 1948, the iconic "Blue Helmets" have worked to maintain peace in some of the world's most conflict-ridden and volatile regions.
According to the United Nations, the theme for the 2026 International Day of UN Peacekeepers is "Invest in Peace." The theme underscores the importance of political and financial support to ensure the continued effectiveness of peacekeeping operations in today's complex geopolitical environment.
Bangladesh's current contribution
According to UN data from March, around 4,092 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Police are currently serving in 10 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. Including staff officers and military observers, the total number of Bangladeshi peacekeepers stands at approximately 6,300.
Under the latest UN ranking published in March 2026, Nepal is the largest troop-contributing country, followed by India, Rwanda and Bangladesh.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh has consistently remained among the world's leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers are currently deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), South Sudan, Lebanon, the Central African Republic, the Abyei region, Libya and Cyprus, among other conflict-affected areas. Infantry battalions, naval warships, airfield service units and Formed Police Units (FPUs) are all contributing to these missions.
Crisis in global peacekeeping
SIPRI's latest report warns that UN peacekeeping operations are facing their most severe personnel and financial crisis in 25 years.
Currently, around 50,000 to 51,000 military, police and civilian personnel are serving in 11 UN missions worldwide, nearly 49% fewer than a decade ago.
Delays in financial contributions from major donor countries, including the United States, have resulted in a budget shortfall of approximately $2 billion, significantly affecting mission operations.
Since 1948, nearly 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the service of global peace. In 2025 alone, 59 peacekeepers died while on duty.
Bangladesh's peacekeeping legacy
Bangladesh has earned a distinguished reputation in global peacekeeping. Its peacekeepers are internationally respected for their professionalism, courage and humanitarian commitment.
Bangladesh formally joined UN peacekeeping in 1988 through participation in the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG), established to monitor the ceasefire following the Iran-Iraq War. The Bangladesh Army initially contributed 15 military observers.
The same year, Bangladesh Police began its peacekeeping journey by joining the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) mission in Namibia.
Inclusion of infantry forces
In 1993, Bangladesh deployed its first full infantry battalion to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), marking the beginning of its large-scale involvement in peacekeeping operations.
Courage in Somalia, Rwanda
During the civil conflicts in Somalia and Rwanda in the 1990s, when many countries withdrew their troops, Bangladesh demonstrated exceptional commitment by deploying additional personnel. The contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Somalia received widespread international praise.
Recognition of Bangla in Sierra Leone
In recognition of the Bangladesh Army's humanitarian role in Sierra Leone's post-war reconstruction, then Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared Bangla an honorary official language of the country in 2002.
Naval and Air Force contributions
In 2010, Bangladesh deployed naval warships to Lebanon, marking its first participation in a multinational naval task force in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Bangladesh Air Force has also provided helicopter units and air crews in high-risk missions in DR Congo and South Sudan, offering critical air support under challenging conditions.
Why Bangladesh stands out
According to UN assessments, Bangladesh's success in peacekeeping stems from several key factors:
- Professionalism and impartiality
- Strong humanitarian engagement with local communities
- Free medical camps and healthcare support
- Assistance in agriculture and infrastructure rebuilding
- Ability to adapt to difficult and hostile environments
Since its first deployment of 15 military observers in 1988, nearly 190,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in 54 missions across 40 countries.
More than 160 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in the cause of global peace.
Bangladesh police and women peacekeepers
Bangladesh Police began its peacekeeping journey in Namibia in 1989. Since then, it has played a significant role in law enforcement, human rights protection and community policing in numerous countries.
Bangladesh Police's Formed Police Units (FPUs) have successfully served in missions in DR Congo, Haiti, Mali and Sudan.
Women leading the way
Bangladesh has become a global role model in women's participation in peacekeeping.
In 2015, Bangladesh Police made history by deploying the world's first all-female Muslim Formed Police Unit to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
The 160-member contingent received international acclaim and was featured in the documentary “A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers.”
Bangladesh has also consistently deployed female FPUs to DR Congo. In both 2025 and 2026, Bangladeshi women police officers serving there received UN medals for their outstanding contributions.
Special role in conflict zones
Women and children in conflict-affected regions are often victims of sexual violence and abuse. Many feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with female officers than with male officials.
Bangladeshi women peacekeepers have been instrumental in building trust and providing support in such situations. In conservative societies across Africa and the Middle East, they have conducted door-to-door outreach, gathered information, offered psychological support and raised awareness among local women.
Bangladesh consistently ranks among the leading contributors of female police officers to UN peacekeeping missions.
Challenges ahead
The rise of artificial intelligence, drone-enabled disinformation, regional conflicts and geopolitical rivalries has made peacekeeping increasingly complex. Ongoing crises in Africa and the Middle East continue to present new challenges for peacekeeping operations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated that peacekeeping remains an effective and cost-efficient tool for restoring stability and hope in today's turbulent world. However, he stressed that sustained political support and reliable funding are essential for its success.