Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to international peace, global stability, and humanity, asserting that future United Nations peacekeeping missions must become more modern, visionary, and technology-driven to navigate a changing world.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony held at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the prime minister emphasised that Bangladesh remains “firmly committed” to the principles of international coexistence and justice as enshrined in the national constitution.
The prime minister noted that although the day is globally observed on 29 May, Bangladesh celebrated it on 10 June this year due to the Eid-ul-Adha holidays.
Addressing the evolving nature of global conflict, prime minister highlighted that the challenges facing UN missions have become more multifaceted and risky due to shifting geopolitical equations and rapid technological evolution.
“Alongside traditional warfare, security crises resulting from cyber warfare, the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), media propaganda, and climate change are now new obstacles to world peace,” Tarique said. “Therefore, our future missions must be more modern, visionary, and technology-driven”.
The prime minister paid profound tribute to the 175 Bangladeshi peacekeepers who have been martyred since 1988 while performing their duties under the UN flag. During the event, special honours were handed over to the wives of six army personnel who embraced martyrdom in Sudan in 2025.
Expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved families, the prime minister remarked that their sacrifices would remain “eternally immortal” in the history of the nation.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s significant contribution to global security, Tarique informed the audience that over 200,000 peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Police have successfully served in approximately 63 missions across 43 countries.
Currently, 5,860 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 10 missions worldwide, with preparations underway to join a new mission in Haiti. The prime minister specifically praised the courage of female members, noting that women now constitute approximately 11 per cent of the Bangladeshi contingents serving in war-torn areas.
The prime minister also reminded the uniformed personnel that they are symbols of the nation’s independence and honour. Stressing the importance of maintaining their reputation, he delivered a core message to the forces: “It is difficult to survive with honour and dignity without professionalism, unity, discipline, and the chain of command”.
The ceremony included the screening of a documentary detailing Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping. Following the formal proceedings, the prime minister exchanged greetings virtually with peacekeepers currently deployed in various countries to enquire about their well-being.
