Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed the need for future UN peacekeeping missions to be more modern, visionary and technology-driven, saying the government is gradually modernising the armed forces and police for international assignments.
“The government is gradually implementing initiatives to modernise the armed forces and police to prepare them for performing responsibilities in United Nations peacekeeping missions and other international assignments,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a programme at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Paying tribute to fallen peacekeepers, Tarique Rahman said 175 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives since 1988 while serving in UN missions, while many others were injured.
He said their sacrifices remain a shining example for Bangladesh and peace-loving people around the world.
“Their sacrifice demonstrates their commitment not only to defending the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh but also to protecting peace anywhere in the world under the UN flag,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Bangladesh’s achievements in peacekeeping were earned through dedication and sacrifice in difficult environments.
He praised Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their professionalism, courage and commitment while serving far from their families.
At the programme, a documentary on Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions was screened, and commemorative crests were handed over to the families of martyred peacekeepers and injured personnel.
Tarique Rahman said more than 200,000 members of Bangladesh’s armed forces and police have served in around 63 UN peacekeeping missions across 43 countries.
Currently, about 5,860 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are serving in 10 missions worldwide, while preparations are underway for participation in a new mission in Haiti, he added.
The Prime Minister said around 11 percent of Bangladesh’s peacekeepers are women who are serving alongside their male counterparts in conflict-affected regions.
Describing the armed forces as a symbol of national independence, dignity and courage, he said Bangladesh’s military has earned international recognition over nearly four decades of peacekeeping service.
Referring to emerging global challenges, Tarique Rahman said peacekeeping operations are becoming increasingly complex due to changing geopolitical realities and technological advancements.
“In addition to conventional warfare, cyber warfare, misuse of artificial intelligence, media disinformation and climate-related security threats have emerged as new challenges to global peace,” he said.
He said Bangladesh remains committed to the principles of world peace, international coexistence, justice and respect for the UN Charter.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that Bangladeshi peacekeepers would continue to uphold the country’s reputation through professionalism and dedication in future international missions.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam and Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman also spoke at the programme.
Cabinet members, senior military officials and diplomats from different countries attended the event.
