Bangladeshi peacekeepers operations are called upon not only to maintain peace and security, but also to facilitate political processes, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid, disarming rival armed groups, clearing landmines, assisting in elections, assisting in education, and making roads and highways in the mission areas.
Every May 29th, the world celebrates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Bangladesh has drawn up programme to observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers today (Wednesday).
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have never retreated in the face of danger when confronted with unknown enemies on foreign soil. Peacekeepers working under complex and dangerous circumstances often endangered their lives.
At least 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers of armed forces lost their lives while 266 were injured in the line of duty in different UN missions to bring peace to various war-ravaged parts of the world for more than three decades.
So far, 194,856 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, there are 6,092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in 13 different missions.
The Bangladeshi peacekeepers have made significant contributions to the international peacekeeping missions, frequently facing extreme challenges and dangers in conflict zones around the world.
Bangladesh, one of the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions, has played an important role in these missions with great dedication and professionalism for more than three decades.
Since their first mission in 1988, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in various conflict zones, including DR Congo, Mali, South Sudan, Sudan (Darfur), and Western Sahara.
Bangladeshi soldiers working in UN missions said death lurks in every operation. Overcoming those obstacles with professionalism and courage, the members of the Bangladesh Army emerge victorious, and the red-green Bangladesh flag is flying.
Peacekeepers from different countries live in separate camps in the same enclosed area. Together, these are called super camps. However, the camps are not peaceful as there is always the fear of attack.
This super camp is also attacked by armed terrorists. To crack the strong confidence of peacekeepers, they (terrorists) suddenly attacked.
However, the peacekeepers are adopting various strategies to prevent terrorist attacks and self-defence. Shelters or bunkers have been set up at different places in the camp.
Last year, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix visited Bangladesh and highly praised the contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers engaged in the UN missions. He also thanked Bangladesh and especially the Bangladesh Army for sending the highest number of peacekeepers for a long time.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have successfully completed 63 UN peacekeeping operations in 43 countries, risking their lives for the greater good.
Since Bangladesh participated in the UN Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in 1988-1991, 188,558 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 2,797 female peacekeepers, have served in 63 UN operations in 40 different states across five continents.
High-ranking UN officials, host governments, and experts on military and international affairs have lauded the role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their contributions. The UN has awarded thousands of Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their distinguished service. Moreover, several host countries have recognised the contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers and taken symbolic steps to honour them.
Then, participation in UN peacekeeping became one of the core functions of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have given their lives in the last 35 years to maintain international peace.
