By Tarannum Rahman
In this new series, Friends of Bangladesh will be exploring some of the nation’s remarkable yet often underappreciated contributions to the international community. Some, like microcredit, are well known, while others are not well recognized.
A relatively unknown yet fascinating aspect of Bangladesh’s global presence is its quiet yet consistent contribution to international peace. Over the past three decades, Bangladesh has become one of the world’s leaders in contributing soldiers to United Nations peacekeeping operations. This role not only reinforces Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace, but it also reflects its willingness to identify as a responsible, capable international ally.
A Longstanding Commitment to Global Peace
Bangladesh’s involvement in U.N. peacekeeping began in 1988, when troops were first deployed to Iran and Iraq. Since then, more than 180,000 Bangladeshi military and police personnel have served in 40+ missions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean.
As of 2025, Bangladesh remains one of the top three troop-contributing countries, along with Nepal and India. Its deployed troops are currently located in regions such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, and Mali. Bangladeshi forces often take on high-risk assignments to ensure proper humanitarian aid reaches those in need. From disarmament to post conflict reconstruction, these peacekeepers serve as the backbone for community protection in vulnerable areas around the world.
Human Impact and Recognition
Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deeply embedded in the communities they serve, offering educational support, healthcare, engineering expertise, and disaster relief. They aren’t simply military deployments; Bangladeshi peacekeepers provide wide-ranging support for the communities in the nations where they serve. In many cases, Bangladeshi troops have been praised not only for their discipline and professionalism, but also for cultural sensitivity and adaptability. According to the UN Peacekeeping Chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been commended for their efforts in community engagement and cultural awareness, especially regarding women’s issues (Source: Dhaka Tribune).
This impact hasn’t gone unnoticed and has not been without sacrifice. Many Bangladeshi peacekeepers have received UN recognition such as the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, which is awarded to those who died in the line of duty. Sadly, more than 160 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving in UN missions; a sad reminder to the rest of us of the risks involved in this kind of service. Yet, their sacrifices and service continue to shape Bangladesh’s global identity. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Bangladesh’s peacekeepers are among “the most dedicated and disciplined” in the world.
The Rise of Female Bangladeshi Peacekeepers
One of the most striking aspects of Bangladesh’s peacekeeping history is the growing inclusion of women in these missions. From policing and medical units, to engineering and leadership roles, Bangladeshi women are breaking barriers. A notable example is the all female police unit deployed in Haiti, which was praised globally for their service in strengthening and rebuilding community trust. Among those who commended this impressive initiative are the U.N. Peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The support received highlighted the professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the vital role women play in enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping. Their success also demonstrated the unique strengths women bring to missions. Combining confidence and empathy, their participation prompted the UN to recruit more women for these roles. This recognition of feminine power continues to be an important topic in discussion regarding mission effectiveness today. (See: Bangla Tribune; Pressenza)
The U.N. also has repeatedly emphasized that female peacekeepers improve mission effectiveness, particularly in addressing cases regarding sexual violence, trafficking, and gender-based discrimination. Bangladesh has not only met the call but has also helped lead the way. As of 2025, Bangladesh has deployed more than 1,500 female peacekeepers, putting them among the leading nations in this regard.
Beyond logistics, this inclusion also serves as a form of feminist diplomacy, as it projects the theme of gender equality, not just at home but also on the global stage from a progressive, Muslim-majority nation.
Looking Ahead
As Bangladesh deepens its peacekeeping legacy, conversations arise about how this role can evolve moving forward. Some emerging ideas include: Increasing youth engagement, integrating climate resilience and environmental sustainability, and enhancing training in mental health support and trauma-informed intervention.
Peacekeeping may not always make headlines, but it is one of the most powerful ways Bangladesh engages with the world. In an era defined by uncertainty and conflict, Bangladesh’s steady presence reminds us that global leadership can be expressed in many ways.
For more information, visit: UN Peacekeeping, Bangladesh
The author is a Bangladeshi-American undergraduate at the City University of New York (CUNY) who is interning during the summer of 2025 with Friends of Bangladesh with support from the Colin Powell Fellowship for International Human Rights.
