Recently, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus urged the United Nations (UN) to recruit more women peacekeepers from Bangladesh, reaffirming the country’s unwavering commitment to international peacekeeping and security efforts. He made this request during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on 20 April in Dhaka. During the meeting, a wide range of issues related to UN peacekeeping were discussed. In response to Bangladesh’s appeal, Lacroix acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant contributions to global peacekeeping and emphasized the UN’s policy of increasing female participation in peacekeeping missions. Thereupon, this call not only reflects Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to global peace but also signals a forward-looking ambition: to amplify the role of women in shaping international missions.’
Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman
Recruit more women peacekeepers
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus pushed for more women peacekeepers and greater Bangladeshi leadership in peacekeeping roles during the meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. It is worth mentioning that Jean-Pierre Lacroix brings to the position over 25 years of political and diplomatic experience, with a focus on multilateral organizations, and United Nations activities and programs. During the meeting, he emphasized the UN’s ongoing commitment to increasing the role of women in peacekeeping. Recognizing Bangladesh’s contribution, the UN peace operations chief praised the performance and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including police personnel.
In the international arena, Bangladesh is contributing to global peace by providing enormous troops in UN peacekeeping missions. Consistently ranking among the top three troop- and police-contributing countries (TPCCs), Bangladesh currently has 5,677 personnel serving in 10 out of the 11 active UN missions around the world. In the last 35 years, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been working with reputation, love, achievement, and success in the service of world humanity. Regardless, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have become role models for the people of war-torn regions. Yet, as global standards shift toward inclusivity and gender balance, increasing the number of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers is both a moral imperative and a strategic opportunity.
Surely, Bangladesh’s legacy in UN peacekeeping is nothing short of exemplary. Our peacekeepers are not just soldiers in fatigues—they are ambassadors of peace, resilience, and professionalism. Highlighting the UN’s policy on promoting gender inclusivity in peacekeeping, Lacroix said, “We don’t want to confine women in specific roles,” adding that the UN is committed to supporting the recruitment of women in all areas of peace operations. He also reaffirmed that the country would continue to contribute to global peacekeeping missions with unwavering dedication in the future.
Moreover, the United Nations has made a concerted effort to increase female participation in peacekeeping missions, recognizing the unique perspectives and skills women bring to conflict zones. From community engagement to addressing the specific needs of women and children affected by conflict, female peacekeepers are vital to the effectiveness and legitimacy of peace operations. Bangladesh, with its proven capacity and deep-rooted relationship with the UN, is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
Bangladesh’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping
Bangladesh has earned global recognition as one of the largest and most consistent contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Since its first deployment in 1988, Bangladesh has sent over 180,000 personnel to various conflict zones across the world, including in Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Renowned for their discipline, professionalism, and humanitarian commitment, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have played crucial roles in stabilizing war-torn regions, supporting civilian populations, and rebuilding institutions. Bangladesh’s legacy reflects its unwavering commitment to global peace, security, and solidarity.
Notably, Bangladesh is also at the forefront of promoting female participation in peacekeeping. The country champions gender inclusion, with a growing number of female peacekeepers deployed. The country has steadily increased the deployment of female troops, police, and military observers, in alignment with the UN’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Bangladeshi women peacekeepers play vital roles in community engagement, protecting vulnerable populations, and addressing gender-based violence in conflict zones. This growing representation highlights Bangladesh’s broader commitment to gender equality and inclusive global peace efforts.
Bound by the constitutional requirement to contribute to the protection of international peace and driven by the aspiration to create a positive image towards the international community, Bangladesh has taken a leading role in serving in UN peace operations. The dedicated service of Bangladeshi peacekeepers has earned them the epithet ‘the cream of UN peacekeepers.’ In this context, expanding the role of Bangladeshi women in peacekeeping is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents a broader vision of a more inclusive, empowered, and forward-looking Bangladesh. It aligns with our national priorities of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as enshrined in the Constitution and Sustainable Development Goals. And it amplifies our global voice at a time when multilateralism is both challenged and desperately needed.
At a time when multilateralism is under strain and global cooperation is more necessary than ever, Bangladesh’s call for more female peacekeepers demonstrates vision, leadership, and a commitment to shaping a better future. By urging the UN to recruit more of our women peacekeepers, we are not only claiming our rightful place in international peacebuilding but also inspiring a new generation of Bangladeshis to serve the world with honor. Bangladesh’s story is far from finished. Let the next chapter be one written with courage, inclusion, and a renewed commitment to peace—led by the women who wear our flag with pride on the world’s most critical frontlines.
Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Professor, Department of Linguistics, University of Dhaka and Director General International Mother Language Institute
