‘Cyber warfare risk for peacekeeping’

Cyber warfare, the misuse of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and climate-related challenges are posing new difficulties for peacekeeping missions, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said.

“The government is working to modernise and technologically upgrade the armed forces and police to meet these challenges,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a programme held at Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

“The government is gradually implementing initiatives to modernise the armed forces and police to prepare them for performing responsibilities in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions and other international assignments,” he said, reports BSS.

Tarique Rahman said since 1988, 175 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been martyred while performing their duties as members of the UN peacekeeping missions, while many others have been injured.

He prayed for forgiveness of the departed souls and said the sacrifice of the martyrs as members of the UN peacekeeping missions would remain as a shining example not only for Bangladesh but also for anti-war and peace-loving people around the world.

“Their sacrifice demonstrates that they are committed not only to defending the independence and sovereignty of their motherland, but also as members of peacekeeping missions under the flag of the UN as they are committed to protecting peace anywhere in the world at any cost,” the Prime Minister said.

However, the premier noted that the journey had not been easy, saying, “The achievements and recognition earned by our peacekeepers on the global stage did not come easily. They had to perform this noble and humanitarian duty amid adversity, limitations, and difficult challenges.”

Addressing the peacekeepers, Tarique Rahman appreciated them for their dedication, courage, and professionalism while serving far from their families in challenging environments.

At the onset of the event, a documentary highlighting the contributions of Bangladesh’s armed forces to UN peacekeeping missions was screened. The Prime Minister also presented commemorative crests to the families of martyred peacekeepers and injured personnel.

The Prime Minister said that more than 200,000 members of Bangladesh’s armed forces and police have so far successfully served in approximately 63 peacekeeping missions across 43 countries.

Currently, around 5,860 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are serving with integrity and professionalism in 10 peacekeeping missions around the world, he said, adding, preparations are also underway for participation in a new mission in Haiti.

The premier said that about 11 percent of Bangladesh’s peacekeepers are women, who are serving courageously alongside their male counterparts in war-torn areas.

“But this history of our glory in maintaining world peace was not written in a day. For almost four decades, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been a name of trust and reliability in the international arena,” he added.

Describing the armed forces as a symbol of a nation’s independence, dignity, and courage, the Prime Minister said the army played a historic role in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

“A major of the army declared the independence of Bangladesh. This glory and pride is a source of eternal inspiration for our armed forces. Therefore, it is the duty of the armed forces to protect this glory so that it does not fade in any way,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said various attempts had been made at different times to create confusion regarding the armed forces and damage their image both at home and abroad.

However, he said, on November 7, 1975, the army stood united under the leadership of the proclaimer of independence, facing all the conspiracies.

The Prime Minister said, “Even then, there were efforts to destroy the unity of the armed forces in various incidents at different times. The all-out attack on the armed forces came in February 2009.

We all know what happened in Bangladesh as a result of that attack. Therefore, the main message for the uniformed forces is, ‘It is difficult to survive with honor and dignity without professionalism, unity, discipline and chain of command’.”

Stressing on learning from the past, he said in fascism-free Bangladesh, every state-owned institution and constitutional body have got an opportunity to establish themselves with renewed strength.

“Those who are serving in the armed forces or in the government or public administration, we are all citizens of Bangladesh. Let our pledge today be to properly fulfil the responsibility we are performing at home or abroad,” the premier added.

Highlighting evolving global challenges, Tarique Rahman said changing geopolitical realities and rapid technological advancement have made peacekeeping operations increasingly complex and risky.

“In addition to conventional warfare, cyber warfare, misuse of artificial intelligence, media disinformation, and security threats arising from climate change have emerged as new obstacles to global peace,” he said.

“Therefore, our future peacekeeping missions must be more modern, visionary, and technology-driven. In this circumstance, the government is gradually implementing initiatives to modernise the armed and police forces to prepare them for performing duties in UN peacekeeping missions and other international stages,” the premier said.

He said that Bangladesh believes in the principles of independence, sovereignty, and mutual respect among nations.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh remains firmly committed to the constitutional principles of world peace, international coexistence, and justice.

Bangladesh fully respects multilateral diplomacy and the UN Charter to build a safe and peaceful world against any aggression and conflict, he added.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have established a shining example on the global stage through their sincerity, sense of duty and professionalism.

“Each member of the peacekeeping mission represents Bangladesh in different parts of the world, and is a bearer of the country’s honor and dignity. I hope that in the future, those who will go to different countries to perform their duties in the international arena will similarly uphold the reputation of Bangladesh across the world,” he said.

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 spoke at the event.

Cabinet members, chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, officers and personnel of the armed forces, and diplomats from various countries attended the event.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed globally on May 29 each year, but Bangladesh officially celebrated the occasion today, June 10, as per the state decision due to the holy Eid-ul-Azha holidays.