The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers will be observed globally on Wednesday, honouring the establishment of the UN’s first peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), deployed in the Middle East in 1948 on May 29.
This year the theme of the day is “Fit for the future, building better together.”
As every year, Bangladesh will celebrate the day with due dignity as a proud partner in the implementation of UN peacekeeping operations in conflict-ridden countries, committed to establishing world peace and serving humanity under the Blue Berets or Blue Helmets forces.
On this occasion, a "Peacekeepers Run-2024" will be held in Dhaka and other major cities of Bangladesh on Wednesday morning. Celebrated in honour of all members participating in international peacekeeping, respect will be paid to the martyred and wounded members of the world peacekeeping forces.
A programme has been organised at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Wednesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the ceremony as the chief guest and honour the martyred and injured peacekeepers and their families.
Cabinet members, high commissioners of various countries posted in Bangladesh, UN resident coordinators, the three army chiefs, and police chiefs will be present at the occasion.
According to sources from the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh Police, an observation team of 15 members from the Bangladesh Army began their peacekeeping journey under the UN flag by joining the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observers Group (UNIMOG) in 1988.
The Bangladesh Police joined the UN peacekeeping mission in Namibia in 1989, while the Bangladesh Navy started UN peacekeeping operations in Mozambique and the Bangladesh Air Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993.
Since then, the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Police have been actively involved in international peacekeeping missions for the past 36 years, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to maintaining global peace and security.
Putting aside religion, caste, political ideology, and regional discrimination, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have dedicated themselves to the service of global humanity.
So far, 1,94,856 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 missions or assignments across 43 countries or locations to establish world peace. Currently, 6,092 members are engaged in peacekeeping operations in 13 countries or locations.
The participation of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers in these efforts has also been widely appreciated. To date, 3,038 women peacekeepers have successfully completed their deployments, and 493 are currently serving in peacekeeping operations.
Additionally, 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives, and 266 have been injured while risking their lives in conflict and hostile situations in mission areas.
According to the UN website, since 1948, peacekeepers have worked to establish peace and provide security in conflict zones worldwide. Over the past 76 years, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries transition from war to peace.
At present, over 70,000 peacekeepers are serving in 11 missions in global hotspots. Despite numerous challenges, peacekeepers continue their efforts, collaborating with many partners in the collective pursuit of peace.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours their service and sacrifice, as well as the resilience of the communities they support. It also commemorates the more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
