Key highlights:
- Bangladesh emerged as the leading contributor of troops in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022
- As of May 2019, 117 personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice
- Currently, 572 Bangladeshi women are deployed in peacekeeping missions, up from 519 in 2022
Adhering to the esteemed vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who advocated for “friendship to all and malice towards none,” the Bangladesh Army has emerged as a significant contributor to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. With an impressive legacy spanning over 3 decades, the Army has played a pivotal role in fostering global peace, engaging in 43 missions across different countries.
Praised for their professionalism, impartiality, and humanitarian ethos, Bangladesh Army peacekeepers have attained the status of a ‘Role Model’ in international peacekeeping efforts.
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General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, firmly dismissed the allegations leveled against several army officers, labeling them as baseless and driven by ulterior motives. His remarks were delivered during a press briefing following the inauguration of the 12th Annual General Meeting and Workshop of the Association of Asia-Pacific Peace Operations Training Centers (AAPTC) on 27 May, Monday.
He condemned the publication of the report, insinuating malicious intent behind its release. He affirmed the army’s resolve to refute these allegations, citing a similar incident in 2013 aimed at tarnishing the military’s reputation, which was eventually disproved.
“Can you give an example of a mission where we violated human rights or our discipline deteriorated? In many regions of the world; Not only in Africa but outside Africa, we have also served in Asia and Europe. Have you ever been accused of this human rights violation?” he asked.
Bangladesh’s Selfless Pursuit of International Peace
An exemplary instance of international collaboration and global solidarity manifests in UN peacekeeping missions. Over time, Bangladesh’s substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions have earned it a distinguished place within the esteemed ‘Blue Helmet’ community, evoking pride and recognition.
Proven as one of the most effective means to nurture and sustain global tranquility and stability, the ‘Blue Helmet’ symbolizes collective endeavor on a global front and collective leadership for global peace. Globally, the Bangladesh Army stands out as a significant contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
With 6,582 peacekeepers, predominantly stationed in Africa, Bangladesh ranks among the top troop-contributing nations. Bangladesh emerged as the leading contributor of troops in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022.
Presently engaged in 10 peacekeeping missions spanning different nations, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are esteemed for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security in challenging terrains. The international community consistently commends the Bangladesh Army for its pivotal role in UN peacekeeping efforts.
Additionally, the Bangladeshi ethos, characterized by a profound empathy for the plight of those in distress, motivates troops to prioritize the well-being of others over their happiness. This altruism has been demonstrated repeatedly in the past.
In the pursuit of peace endeavors, the Bangladesh Army has endured significant sacrifices. As of May 2019, 117 personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice, while 209 others have sustained injuries, underscoring the unwavering resolve and selflessness of Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

Making a Difference in Conflict Zones
In 2002, Sierra Leone, a West African country, designated Bengali as one of its official languages after Bangladeshi peacekeepers constructed a 54km road there during the civil war. The Bangladeshi military has also assisted with demining operations in South Sudan and supported DDR processes in Kosovo, Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Additionally, they have enhanced access to water, sanitation, primary education, employment, and subsistence in Juba.
In response to the increasing threat from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), Bangladesh’s Engineer Centre & School of Military Engineering and Ordnance Centre and School have started offering specialized counter-IED training.
These institutions provide this training to all peacekeeping teams preparing for deployment to Mali. Bangladesh was one of the first nations to adopt the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, introduced in 2016, which has expedited its deployment of troops to the UN mission in Mali.
Current Deployments from Bangladesh to Peacekeeping Missions
Country | Mission | Army | Navy | Air Force | Total |
DR Congo | MONUSCO | 1355 | 14 | 373 | 1742 |
Lebanon | UNIFIL | 0 | 115 | 1 | 116 |
South Sudan | UNMISS | 1414 | 203 | 3 | 1620 |
Sudan | UNAMID (Darfur) | 353 | 1 | 2 | 356 |
Western Sahara | MINURSO | 23 | 0 | 3 | 26 |
Mali | MINUSMA | 1322 | 4 | 113 | 1439 |
CAR | MINUSCA | 1044 | 6 | 3 | 1053 |
USA | UNHQ (New York) | 6 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
Medals and Accolades Rain on Bangladesh’s Brave UN Peacekeepers
The BBC referred to the Bangladeshi UN Force in 2008 as the best of the UN peacekeepers. In November 2019, the Bangladesh Police earned the prestigious Best Police Unit Award, recognizing its dedication to UN Peacekeeping missions. Specifically, Bangladesh Formed Police Unit (FPU) 11 was commended for its outstanding work in sustaining police capabilities and ensuring security at the Nyala Super Camp in South Darfur, Sudan.
Further demonstrating Bangladesh’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, around 110 members of the Bangladesh Navy were honored with the Peacekeeping Medal in 2021 for their contribution to maintaining stability in Beirut, Lebanon.
Notably, the officers and crew of the Bangladesh Navy warship “Sangram” received this recognition from Rear Admiral Andreas Mugge, the Maritime Task Force (MTF) Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, for their invaluable service in peacekeeping operations.
Moreover, in 2020, the UN acknowledged approximately 861 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, including 19 women, who were serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). These individuals were honored with medals in recognition of their relentless efforts to ensure the protection of civilians.
Growing Female Peacekeeping Force Excels in Humanitarian Roles
Bangladeshi Women in Peacekeeping Missions
Year | Bangladeshi Women in Peacekeeping Missions | Total Female Peacekeepers from Bangladesh |
2022 | 519 | – |
2024 | 572 | 2,728 |
After a severe earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, Bangladesh, under a UN mandate, deployed women peacekeepers to the region. Their duties included humanitarian activities, community policing, primary education, healthcare, protection against violence, and HIV/AIDS prevention training, with their service continuing from 2015 until October 2017.
In 2017, Bangladesh further demonstrated its commitment to international peacekeeping by sending two female combat pilots, to the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Currently, 572 Bangladeshi women are deployed in peacekeeping missions, up from 519 in 2022. To date, 2,728 female peacekeepers from Bangladesh have served successfully with the United Nations.
The UN aims to have 18% of its Staff Officers and Military Observers in peacekeeping operations be women. Bangladesh is nearing this goal and plans to exceed it in the future. Additionally, since January 2019, the Bangladesh Army has incorporated ‘Female Engagement Teams’ into its battalions and will continue this practice in all major UN peacekeeping contingents.
With an unwavering dedication to the principles of friendship and impartiality, the Bangladesh Army has etched its name as a guiding light in conflict-ridden regions. From constructing vital infrastructure to facilitate disarmament processes, providing training to combat threats, and deploying an increasing number of intrepid female peacekeepers, Bangladesh continues to raise the bar.