Jean Pierre Lacroix, the Under Secretary General Department of Peace Operations (USG DPO) will be visiting Bangladesh for having pledge for more UN Peacekeeping Forces from Bangladesh. His visit will take place from June 25-26, 2023 at Dhaka on the occasion of the preparatory meeting for the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2023. Bangladesh is one of the co-hosts for this event besides Canada and Uruguay.
The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is the seminal high-level event for UN peacekeeping, held biennially with the participation of foreign and defense ministers. It is the latest in a series of meetings held at the Head of State, Government, or Ministerial level since 2014. Following the 2021 event hosted by South Korea, the 2023 Ministerial will be held in Accra, Ghana on Dec. 5-6. All member states represented in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations will be invited to participate in this event, as well as a series of preparatory meetings to be held in the lead-up to the Ministerial. The visit is absolutely encouraging and positive for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh at the UN Peacekeeping
Bangladesh is one of the largest Troops and Police Contributing Countries (TPCCs) to the UN Peacekeeping Operations. As of March 2023, 7,237 peacekeepers deployed in different countries and locations. The journey of participation in the UN peacekeeping operations started in 1988 and since then it sent over 167,274 peacekeepers in 63 Peace Keeping missions/assignments to serve in 40 countries/locations.
Over the last three decades, Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN in peacekeeping has grown in depth and dimensions. Inspired by the Foreign Policy Doctrine of “Friendship to all and malice towards none” and constitutional obligation, Bangladesh has taken a value-driven approach to contribute to global peace and stability. They have worked to protect civilians, rebuild infrastructure, and promote human rights. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have also made the ultimate sacrifice, with 166 peacekeepers having died while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have played a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in some of the world’s most troubled regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Haiti. Bangladeshi peacekeepers are known for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the principles and values of the UN Charter. They have made significant contributions to the protection of civilians, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of sustainable development.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in a variety of roles, including military observers, infantry, engineers, and medical personnel. They have played a key role in monitoring cease-fires and rebuilding war-torn countries. Last month, the United Nations awarded the ‘Dag Hammarskjöld Medal’ to five fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their supreme sacrifice in UN Peacekeeping operations. The award was handed over at the General Assembly Hall by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a ceremony. The medal is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a UN peacekeeper.
Bangladesh Armed forces have played significant role in women empowerment and gender mainstreaming by employing women as peacekeepers in volatile security situations of field missions. So far, a total of 962 female peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in the UN peace operations. Currently, 415 female members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are deployed in different peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh’s commitment to UN peacekeeping is a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s desire to play a positive role in the world and contribute to the cause of peace and security.
The contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers have made a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. They have helped to bring peace and stability to conflict-ridden regions, protect civilians, and deliver humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh is a proud and committed partner of the United Nations, and its peacekeepers continue to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security.
What to expect from the visit?
Jean Pierre Lacroix is responsible for overseeing and coordinating UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. The visit will address various peacekeeping-related issues and strengthen the partnership between Bangladesh and the United Nations peacekeeping operations. According to Foreign Ministry sources, “It is an encouraging and positive visit” for Bangladesh. “He can pledge to take more peacekeepers from Bangladesh.”
During such a visit, it is expected that the following areas will be discussed.
First, Jean Pierre Lacroix’s visit will serve as an opportunity to acknowledge and commend Bangladesh’s significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping operations. The visit may include events or ceremonies where the efforts and sacrifices made by Bangladeshi peacekeepers are recognized.
Second, discussions between Jean Pierre Lacroix and Bangladeshi officials may center on reviewing ongoing peacekeeping missions and exploring ways to enhance collaboration. They may discuss challenges faced by Bangladeshi peacekeepers, ways to improve their safety and well-being, and strategies to enhance their effectiveness in achieving peace and stability.
Third, given Bangladesh’s substantial involvement in peacekeeping, Jean Pierre Lacroix’s visit may also focus on capacity-building and training initiatives. The discussions may revolve around providing support and resources to strengthen the training infrastructure of Bangladesh’s armed forces and police personnel involved in peacekeeping operations.
Finally, the visit could also involve exploring potential avenues for Bangladesh’s continued engagement in UN peacekeeping. This may include discussions on the possibility of deploying peacekeepers to new or ongoing missions, sharing expertise in specific areas, or contributing to peacebuilding efforts beyond troop deployments.
[Photo by Hassan7729, via Wikimedia Commons]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Dr. Shafik A. Rahman is a postdoctoral fellow in International Relations of Southeast Asia at the National University of Singapore. He received his Ph.D. in Politics and International relations from Queen Mary University of London, U.K.
