Amid the shivering cold of Bosnia, the scorching heat of the Sahara Desert, and the heavy humidity of East Asia, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been risking their lives in service to global humanity ever since they joined the UN Blue helmets in 1988.
From Haiti to East Timur, Lebanon to Congo, the peacekeepers of Bangladesh have left their footprints in almost every place crawling with conflict.
Bangladesh started her journey in UN peacekeeping operations with the deployment of only 15 peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army in the Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in 1988.
Subsequently, Bangladesh Police joined UN peacekeeping operations in Namibia in 1989, while the Bangladesh Navy took part in Mozambique and Bangladesh Air Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993.
Today, Bangladesh peacekeepers are renowned as role models in global peacekeeping by virtue of their proven professionalism, impartiality, integrity, and humane attitude. The country is the leading contributor of troops and police to peacekeeping operations, taking the top position in 2021.
ISPRThe country had been in the top five since 2012.
Till now, 188,558 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 UN missions or assignments in 40 countries or locations.
At present, 7,436 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 14 countries.
The participation of women peacekeepers in global peace is gradually increasing. As many as 2,728 women peacekeepers have successfully completed their missions and currently 572 women peacekeepers are working in various peacekeeping operations.
Till now, 167 Bangladeshi brave and valiant peacekeepers have laid down their lives and 259 peacekeepers suffered major injuries for the greater cause of world peace. Their sacrifices have brightened the country's image before the world.
ISPRThe roadmap of Bangladesh for affiliation with world peace is firmly pronounced in the constitution of the country.
In the United Nations General Assembly of 1974, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reiterated Bangladesh's firm stance in favour of global peace.
The country's foreign policy is based on Bangabandhu's maxim of "friendship to all, malice towards none."
To commemorate their selfless efforts, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29. This year's theme is “Peace Begins with Me”.
UN Peacekeepers Day programs
Bangladesh has taken a detailed program to observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a release.
The program commemorating the peacekeepers will start with the Peacekeeper Run-2023. The program will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka in the morning.
ISPRThe families and relatives of the injured and martyred peacekeepers will be honoured at the program. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will join the program as the chief guest.
Bangladesh Television and BTV World will broadcast the reception live.
Later, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will be present as the chief guest in the Peacekeeper Run-2023 program in the morning.
Members of the cabinet, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, chiefs of the armed forces, military adviser to the UN Peacekeeping Mission, members of parliament, principal staff officer of the armed forces, inspector general of the police, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior military and civilian officials including media personalities will be present at the program.
ISPRSpecial journals and supplements will be published by national dailies to highlight the significance of the day and talk shows will be aired by TV channels.
Documentaries on Bangladesh's peacekeeping activities will also be aired.
