Bangladesh’s peacekeepers have become one of the country’s most effective soft power assets, earning global recognition for their professionalism, humanitarian service and sacrifices in conflict zones, speakers said at a dialogue in Dhaka on Monday.
The discussion, titled “The Contribution of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers to Global Peace,” was organised by the Defence Journalists Association of Bangladesh (DJAB) at the CIRDAP auditorium.
Addressing the event as chief guest, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government views Bangladesh’s growing participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations as a key foreign policy priority.
“Over nearly four decades, more than 260,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in over 63 missions across 43 countries. In this journey for global peace, 174 Bangladeshi peacekeepers made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
She said Bangladesh is now among the world’s leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions and that its peacekeepers have become a powerful symbol of the country’s global presence.
Drawing on her visits to African nations, she said local communities hold Bangladeshi peacekeepers in high regard for their professionalism, humanity and dedication.
“Many of us do not fully realise the risks they take. Their families often do not know whether they will return home safely. They continue to serve out of patriotism and love for Bangladesh,” she added, pledging continued support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Tawohidul Haque, associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, said Bangladesh began its peacekeeping journey in 1988 with just 15 military observers. Today, 4,212 members of the armed forces and police are serving in nine UN missions.
He said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned international acclaim for their courage, professionalism and humanitarian work, including medical services, infrastructure development and support for law and order in fragile states.
Highlighting the economic significance of peacekeeping, Dr Haque said the Bangladesh Army has contributed around Tk31,345 crore to the national economy through UN missions over the past three decades, while the Bangladesh Air Force has completed more than 80,000 flying hours and generated Tk2,331 crore in revenue.
International security analyst and Summit Power Limited Managing Director Major General (retd) Dr Monirul Islam Akhand said UN peacekeeping missions not only contribute to global peace but also strengthen Bangladesh’s defence capabilities.
“Many of the mission-related equipment and logistics are financed by the United Nations and later become part of our national capacity,” he said, stressing the need for greater investment in the safety and modernisation of peacekeepers.
He also urged policymakers to turn Bangladesh’s peacekeeping reputation into long-term diplomatic and economic partnerships with countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia and South Sudan.
Referring to the challenges faced by personnel in Africa, he said Bangladeshi peacekeepers continue to serve despite threats ranging from armed conflict to diseases such as Ebola and Lassa fever.
Retired Commodore MM Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan described peacekeeping missions as environments marked by uncertainty and danger.
“Peacekeeping means confronting the unknown every day, where personnel face bullets and, at times, the painful loss of fellow comrades,” he said.
He highlighted the Bangladesh Navy’s 15-year presence in the Mediterranean, saying its warships have effectively served as “floating embassies” of Bangladesh in Lebanon. Despite reductions in the UN maritime mission, Bangladeshi vessels continue to be retained because of their high standards of performance, he added.
Speaking about naval operations in South Sudan, he said Bangladeshi personnel have conducted more than 70 missions to secure humanitarian supply routes, combat piracy and save lives.
Air Commodore Mohammad Mushtaqur Rahman (LPR) of the Bangladesh Air Force said drone attacks have emerged as one of the most significant threats in modern peacekeeping operations.
“In December 2025, six peacekeepers were killed in a drone attack. We need modern air defence systems to ensure the safety of our personnel,” he said.
Speakers also highlighted Bangladesh’s contributions to post-war reconstruction, healthcare and infrastructure development in Africa, as well as international recognition through honours such as the UN’s Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.
DJAB President Alamgir Hossain said the public often overlooks the personal sacrifices made by peacekeepers.
“Many miss the birth of their children, are unable to be with family during critical moments, and sometimes cannot return home even after the death of close relatives. The true value of their sacrifice can only be understood by witnessing their realities firsthand,” he said.
Former ISPR Director Lt Col (retd) Abdullah Ibne Zaid, Dr Abdul Mannan, Dr Saber Ahmed Chowdhury, former DJAB President Abul Khayer, Mamunur Rashid, DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh and DJAB Senior Member Masud Karim, among others, also spoke at the programme. DJAB General General Tariqul Islam Masoom conducted the dialogue.
Speakers said Bangladesh’s contributions align with this year’s UN peacekeeping theme, “Invest in Peace,” and called for stronger policy support, modern equipment and broader international cooperation to sustain the country’s role in promoting global peace and security.
