At present bangladesh’s role is no longer limited to providing manpower for UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh is steadily becoming more involved in policymaking and strategic planning. It speaks highly of the country’s proficiency, nay expertise, in this most difficult task of keeping peace in fragile and conflict-prone areas
Our exceptional role in global peacekeeping
Bangladesh has co-chaired the Summit on Peacekeeping Operation at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. It is indeed a rare honour for the country and a well-earned recognition of Bangladesh’s contribution towards international peace keeping operations in different trouble torn places of the world. As is well known Bangladesh provides the highest number of peacekeepers to various UN missions. And these peacekeepers, wherever they have been deployed, have managed to win the hearts and minds of the local population. As many as 118 members of them have sacrificed their lives while fighting elements out to disrupt regional and global peace.
At present this country’s role is no longer limited to providing manpower for UN peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh is steadily becoming more involved in policymaking and strategic planning. It speaks highly of the country’s proficiency, nay expertise, in this most difficult task of keeping peace in fragile and conflict-prone areas. Bangladesh has constantly reiterated its commitments to the principles of the UN, including the maintenance of international peace and security. Providing UN peacekeepers have helped Bangladesh promote a positive image of the country in the world.
The Bangladesh Institute for Peace Support Operations and Training (BIPSOT) is being developed as a centre of excellence for training peacekeepers, especially the female members. And Bangladesh is not only training its military and police personnel but is also providing customised training and technical support to troops and police of other contributing countries.
All countries in the world have a stake in peace keeping initiatives. And UN peacekeeping is a unique global partnership. It brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors and the host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security. Peacekeeping operations have evolved greatly from the first modern peacekeeping mission over 60 years ago. Currently, they encompass a range of operations that take place in all phases of the conflict cycle, including peacekeeping, peacemaking, and even reconstruction and development roles. Many peace support operations now involve more than one of these roles at the same time. In addition, peace support operations have become increasingly multidisciplinary, encompassing civilian, police and military tasks. By providing basic security guarantees and responding to crises, these UN operations have supported political transitions and helped buttress fragile new state institutions. They have helped countries to close the chapter of conflict and open a path to normal development. Bangladesh, to its credit, is active in all manner of UN peace operations and is poised to play an even greater role in future.
