Bangladesh’s Pride in Global Peace

Bangladesh is an unforgettable name in the history of United Nations peacekeeping missions. In bringing stability to conflict-ridden regions of the world, supporting reconstruction, and responding to humanitarian crises, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have become an indispensable force. Defying global political turbulence, natural disasters, and hostile climates, the men and women carrying the red-and-green flag have demonstrated a courage that stands as the finest advertisement of our national image. Yet the path to this honour is soaked in blood, it is an epic of supreme sacrifice and valour.

The date, 20 December, is etched in our history as a day of profound sorrow, since the bodies of six of our heroic sons who attained martyrdom in the deserts of Sudan returned home with full state honour. These coffins are not merely symbols of grief – they are emblems of our national pride. That mournful afternoon of 13 December once again proved that Bangladesh does not hesitate to offer its finest sons for the cause of global peace. A cowardly drone attack carried out by a separatist armed group on the Kadugli Logistic Base under the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Sudan’s Abyei region left six Bangladeshi peacekeepers martyred and nine others injured. As the remains of these heroes arrived in Dhaka on 20 December, the entire nation paid its final respects.

Although United Nations peacekeeping operations began in 1948, Bangladesh made its debut on this prestigious stage in 1988. What began with the deployment of just 15 members to the Iran-Iraq Military Observer Mission has today grown into a towering presence. Among 119 countries, Bangladesh has for many years remained the top contributor of peacekeepers, earning global respect and distinction. 

At present, Bangladeshi peacekeepers, wearing the “blue helmet,” are carrying the flag of peace in 10 countries across the world. The Bangladesh Army has not merely performed its duties; on numerous occasions, it has rescued humanity from the brink of catastrophe. In 1994, during the horrors of the Rwandan genocide, Bangladeshi peacekeepers, armed lightly, stood with fearless courage and helped stem the tide of mass slaughter. Bangladeshi peacekeepers are not just armed soldiers; they are envoys of humanity. In Congo, Sudan, Mali, and South Sudan, they have played a direct role in building schools, hospitals, roads, and advancing agricultural development. Owing to the humanitarian conduct of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, the West African nation of Sierra Leone has recognised the Bangla language as one of its respected languages—an unprecedented victory for our language on the global stage. 

Moreover, Bangladesh became the first Muslim-majority country to deploy a female police contingent to peacekeeping missions in 2010, stunning the world. To date, 1,718 women peacekeepers have participated in various missions. While the United Nations has set a target of 22% female participation in peacekeeping, Bangladesh has already ensured 18%-19%.

The path of peace is fraught with hardship. To date, 171 Bangladeshi peacekeepers—including the most recent six—have sacrificed their lives in United Nations peacekeeping missions. In addition, 272 have been injured. This immense sacrifice has elevated Bangladesh’s image to new heights in the international arena. Peacekeeping missions have not only enhanced our military stature but have also made a substantial contribution to the national economy. Annual earnings from this sector exceed Tk20 billion, providing significant strength to the country’s foreign currency reserves. The United Nations has described Bangladesh’s role as a “vanguard of peace diplomacy.”

The Bangladesh Army is now in a stronger position in the global arena. The deployment of three army helicopters in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a new milestone in our capabilities. The coffins of our martyrs returning to Dhaka on 20 December deliver a powerful message: Bangladesh is prepared to pay a high price for global peace. This saga of glory, written in the blood of martyrs, is not solely the pride of the army; it is an imperishable honour for all of Bangladesh. 

The writer is a journalist, researcher and political analyst