State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladesh considers participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions not merely an obligation, but a responsibility towards humanity under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
She made the remarks while addressing the Second Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in a Francophone Environment in Rabat on Wednesday, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued in Dhaka.
The state minister stressed the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in strengthening peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
Referring to emerging challenges in modern peace operations, she highlighted the threats posed by misinformation, digital harassment and the unethical use of technology in conflict situations.
Shama Obaed also called for stronger and forward-looking reforms in UN peacekeeping operations.
She underscored the need for clear and realistic mandates, adequate resources, stronger consultation with troop and police contributing countries, and enhanced measures to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.
She further stressed the importance of robust pre-deployment training through institutions such as the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to environmentally sustainable peacekeeping practices.
Reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, the state minister highlighted the country’s position as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Paying tribute to the 174 Bangladeshi peacekeepers who lost their lives in global peace missions, she also noted Bangladesh’s growing contribution of women peacekeepers to UN operations.
Shama Obaed said Bangladesh’s peace-oriented foreign policy, initiated by Ziaur Rahman and strengthened under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, continues to shape the country’s commitment to global peace and stability.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s ongoing initiatives in social protection, education reform and women’s empowerment, she described them as essential pillars for sustainable peace.
The conference was jointly organised by the governments of Morocco and France, where the forum was first launched in 2016.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco Sadia Faizunnesa was also present at the event.
Later in the evening, Shama Obaed attended the Global Growth Conference 2026 as a keynote speaker at a session titled “Geopolitics of Fragmentation: Power, Escalation and Strategic Reordering”.
During the session, she shared Bangladesh’s perspective on changing global geopolitics, shifting power dynamics and the strategic impact of increasing international fragmentation.
