Since its operational inception as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) to oversee Arab-Israeli wartime in 1948, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, often touted as the “Blue Helmets” has voyaged a glorious path to preserve world peace and global stability.
Marking the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, the theme of this year's International Peacekeeping Day (May 29) rightly symbolized the actions and commitments of the UN Peacekeepers -- “Peace begins with me.”
The theme couldn't be more appropriate than in the case of Bangladesh -- the most newly-born South Asian country -- which ranks at the top of the list for sending the largest number of peacekeepers to the United Nations (UN) at present.
Since its sanguine birth in 1971 by breaking the shackles of oppression and discrimination, Bangladesh has bearded the olive leaf to promote peace and stability both at the domestic and international levels.
Thus, Dhaka understands the pain of oppression and subjugation, and rightfully Bangladeshi foreign policy is propelled by a deep sense of global solidarity and the desire to emancipate the world from malaises such as war, poverty, and hunger.
The constitution of Bangladesh, especially its article 27–44 are guarantees on the legitimacy and protection of 18 different types of civil and human rights. To promote global peace and harmony, Article 25 declares “Friendship to all, malice towards none” as the country's official foreign policy dictum.
Bangladesh transcends its variety in spiritual, humanitarian, and development-oriented initiatives by manifesting itself as an example of a torch-bearer of peace to countries across the world.
In 1988, Bangladesh became a part of the Blue Helmets family when its military personnel participated in two UN operations: the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in Iraq and the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) in Namibia.
Since then, it has become an integral component of UN peacekeeping efforts. As of March 2023, 7,237 Bangladeshi military and police personnel are participating in 11 UN peacekeeping missions, and the Bangladeshi contingent is the largest among the UN peacekeeping contingents.
By the moment this article was penned, Bangladesh participated in 54 UN peacekeeping operations and cumulatively provided 1,83,378 personnel for those missions.
On par with Article 25 of the constitution of Bangladesh, the country is committed to the promotion of international peace, security, and solidarity. So, Bangladesh is legally duty-bound to take part in UN peacekeeping operations. In addition to legal considerations, Bangladesh has been motivated to take part in UN peace operations owing to moral, political, and financial considerations.
Participation in UN missions not only fulfils Bangladesh's constitutional tasks but also improves its global standing and strengthens its economy. Bangladeshi military personnel volunteer for UN peace operations because of a sense of patriotism, loyalty, and the possibility of financial compensation.
Bangladesh has achieved significant strategic advances; its positive and proactive approach has earned it worldwide reputation, political, and diplomatic mileage and reputation amongst the UN and other global actors.
Since its first missions in 1988, Bangladeshi troops Bangladeshi peacekeepers added their glorious triumphs in Somalia, Sierra Leone, and the Congo by aiding in the hostilities and surrender of weapons of the militants in Liberia and Ivory Coast. Bangladeshi troops also assisted in establishing democratic governments in a number of countries, including Mozambique, the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast.
Bangladesh provides both male and female personnel to UN peacekeeping missions. In addition to peacekeeping, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have notably participated in “peacebuilding efforts” in war-torn countries by reconstructing schools and bridges, de-mining territories, and reopening hospitals.
Since its participation in the UNTAG in 1989, the Bangladesh Police has also played a vital role in the efforts to provide public safety, protect civil freedoms, and advance gender equality in war-torn countries. It is estimated that 21,284 police personnel from Bangladesh have served in 23 different UN peacekeeping operations.
Previously, Bangladesh has been chosen as the Vice-Chair of the UN Peacekeeping Board of Commissioners (UNPBC) due to its outstanding performance in UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh's involvement in UNPKO has increased its international prestige and helped boost its economy, adding around $300 million to its economy every year.
Bangladesh's initiatives have led to better relations between the country's civilians and armed forces. During a visit to Bangladesh in 2003, then-President of Sierra Leone Ahmad Tejan Kabbah thanked the Bangladeshi government for intervening in his country and lauded the efforts of Bangladeshi troops in Africa. The government of Sierra Leone even considered granting the Bengali language the status of an honorary official language.
Bangladeshi troops serving in Ivory Coast were often addressed as munami, which is translated as “my friend.” In 2008, a street in a Liberian city was named the Bangladesh Square as a sign of gratitude for the works of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in that country. More recently, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka heartily congratulated the people of Bangladesh on this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
However, the glory and prestige do not come without great sacrifices. Over the course of several UN peacekeeping missions, it has been estimated that over 166 Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and 258 were wounded. To pay homage to these heroic souls, 128 Bangladeshi peacekeepers were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal. In 2023, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were posthumously honored at the UN.
To make the Bangladesh peacekeeping front more active and robust, the Bangladeshi government and the UN should play a more collaborative role, providing Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the opportunity to utilize excellent training facilities and equipping them with advanced weaponry to uphold the international image, glory, and prestige of Bangladesh in its contribution to world peace and global stability.
Nanziba Mahmood is a Graduate of International Relations, University of Delaware.
