Bangladesh to observe the International Day for United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday with a series of events celebrating the nation’s contributions to global peace and security.
The day's observances will begin in the morning with the “Peacekeepers’ Run/Rally 2025,” paying tribute to both martyr and serving peacekeepers.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury will inaugurate the run as the chief guest, according to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
At 11am, a special reception will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, honouring injured peacekeepers and highlighting Bangladesh’s enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping.
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed is expected to attend the ceremony as the chief guest.
Over the past four decades, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 UN missions across 43 countries and regions, the ISPR statement noted.
Currently, 5,818 Bangladeshi personnel, including 444 women, are serving in 10 UN missions worldwide.
Since joining UN peacekeeping operations, 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year, two injured peacekeepers will be specially honoured in recognition of their service.
Members of the advisory council will attend the reception, ambassadors, UN officials, chiefs of the armed forces, the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Inspector General of Police, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the media.
In a separate statement, the Police Headquarters highlighted the Bangladesh Police's proud role in UN peacekeeping since their first deployment to Namibia in 1989.
To date, 21,815 police peacekeepers have served in 26 missions across 24 countries, with 24 police personnel sacrificing their lives.
At present, 199 police officers, including 71 women, are deployed in missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
Since the inclusion of women in 2000, 1,927 female police peacekeepers have represented Bangladesh.
To ensure smooth movement during the day’s events, the ISPR has issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to avoid the route from Urojahaj Chattar to Agargaon Circle via Rokeya Sarani between 8:30am and 1:15pm.
Chief adviser greets UN peacekeepers
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday extended heartiest congratulations and felicitations to all members of the UN peacekeeping missions, marking the 'International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2025' to be observed on Thursday in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the globe, report BSS.
In a message, he recalled all the valiant members of UN peacekeepers, who made supreme sacrifices for upholding world peace, and paid deep homage to them.
The chief adviser, in his message, said: "On the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2025, I extend my heartiest felicitations and congratulations to all the members of UN peacekeepers. I pay my humble tribute to those courageous peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty, glorifying the noble cause of peace.
He said the United Nations peacekeeping operations are the most significant initiative for establishing peace in war-torn and conflict-ridden regions of the world. Starting from the very first peacekeeping mission in 1988, Bangladesh has now become one of the largest troop-contributing nations, he added.
Professor Muhammad Yunus said: "Our peacekeepers are working tirelessly to maintain peace and deliver emergency humanitarian assistance in various conflict-affected countries. Their efficiency and dedication have earned the trust of the civilians in conflict zones and have further elevated the status of Bangladesh in the international arena."
He said: "During the July uprising in 2024 and subsequent periods, our armed forces stood by the people, setting an iconic example in maintaining peace and stability in the country. I firmly believe that the members of the Armed Forces and Police, who are experienced in peacekeeping operations, will continue their relentless work to prevent conflict, protect civilians, ensure human rights, and establish peace."
The chief adviser said Bangladesh believes in a culture of peace, tolerance and the practice of humanity.
"Our active participation in UN peacekeeping missions stands as a testament to our enduring pledge toward establishing peace and stability in the world. I hope that through the professional excellence, exceptional courage, humanity, self-sacrifice and integrity, our peacekeepers will continue to uphold Bangladesh's image in the world as a peace-building nation," he added.
The chief adviser wished the observance of the day a great success.
