Bangladesh and global partnership in peacekeeping
Mohammad Tarequl Islam :
United Nations Peacekeeping represents the central activity of the organization, fostering a distinctive global partnership. In 2025, the UN Peacekeeping force comprises over 61,000 military and police personnel from 119 countries, along with more than 7,000 civilian personnel. These peacekeepers are deployed across 11 peacekeeping missions around the world.
The study endeavors to elucidate the collaboration between the UN and Bangladesh through peacekeeping endeavors, while also highlighting the significant contributions made by Bangladeshi uniformed peacekeepers to international peace and security.
Since 1988, Bangladesh has posted approximately 1,88,558 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, donning the iconic Blue Helmet, to UN peace operations worldwide. Through their participation in peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh has garnered substantial recognition, acclaim, and global visibility.
Partnership approaches a widespread phenomenon from across the political spectrum including local, national and international forum. Partnership engage co-operation, i.e. “to work or act together” and in a public policy can be described as co-operation between citizens or organizations in the public or private sector for common benefit.
The research thinks partnership is a formal arrangement between or among the two or more people or originations to reach a common goal, where each partner contributes labour, money and skills. In the case of UN peacekeeping, member states make partnership with each other through UN peace works.
In here member states provide peacekeepers (troops and civilian), equipment’s, and logistics, some counties provide money and UN coordinate and implement the peace initiatives. Global peace missions rely on international collaboration, generally led by the United Nations, to foster stability in conflict-affected regions. These partnerships bring together diverse actors – governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and private sector entities – working collectively to advance peacebuilding efforts, safeguard civilians, and establish lasting security.
The country has started its journey to UN peace operation in 1988 with only 15 military observers in United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observers Group (UNIMOG). Starting from 15, Bangladesh has sent about 1,88,558 military, police and civilian peacekeepers attiring the Blue Helmet to UN peace operation for maintaining international peace and security around the world.
Moreover, Bangladesh participated about 1400 women police and 600 military women under the umbrella of UN peace. Since 1998 Bangladesh participated in at least 33 countries in the world namely Cyprus, Somalia, Syria, Kenya, West Africa, Sudan (Darfur), Central African Republic, Chad, Yugoslavia (Former), Uganda, Rwanda, Tajikistan, Sudan, Serra Leone, Haiti, Namibia, Mozambique, Macedonia, Liberia, Kiewit, Kosovo, Ivory Coast, Iran, Iraq, Georgia, Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Cambodia, Bosnia, Burundi, Angola and Afghanistan under the UN multidimensional peace initiatives.
The information unveils that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have immense contribution and commitment to international peace and security under the umbrella of the UN.
In the context of international peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh has emerged as a central player and a top contributor over the last decade.
Presently the country provides 6092 uniformed personnel including 493 females who are serving in 13 different peace operations including UN headquarters. Presently Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in the hostile environment of Congo (MONUSCO), Sudan (UNAMID-Darfur), South Sudan (UNMIS), Mali (MINUSMA) and Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for peace and security-building.
Until May 2024, Bangladesh has sent about 1,88,558 military, police and civilian peacekeepers attiring the Blue Helmet to UN peace operation for maintaining international peace and security in 33 countries around the world. Over the three decades of peacekeeping about, 167 Bangladeshi brave-hearts, 144 from Armed Forces and 23 from Bangladesh Police supreme sacrificed for the noble cause of peace process under the umbrella of UN peacekeeping mission. Indeed, the participation of UN peacekeeping is a magnificent chapter for Bangladesh.
Through participating in peace operations Bangladesh gained a huge name and fame and international exposure at the global level. Now Bangladesh is one of the UN’s major trusted partners and the top peacekeepers contributing country in international norms of peace initiatives. By reaffirming its commitment, Bangladesh is continuing to play a vital role in maintaining global peace and promoting cooperation among nations in international arena.
(The writer is Superintendent of Police, Highway Police,
Rangpur Region).