Professor Dr.Asif Mizan.

Professor Dr. Asif Mizan, Vice Chancellor, University of Daaru Salaam University and international political analyst.

“The Cream of UN Peacekeepers” – In 2008, the world-renowned media outlet BBC awarded Bangladeshi peacekeepers this specialized title. Not only in the international media, but today in the entire world, the peacekeepers wearing the blue helmets of Bangladesh are a unique symbol of professionalism, humanity and sacrifice. The way the brave sons of Bangladesh are working, risking their lives to restore peace and stability in different parts of the world devastated by conflict, violence and humanitarian crises, is of utmost pride and dignity for us as a nation.

History of the glorious journey and current position:
Bangladesh’s historic journey under the auspices of the United Nations, which began in 1988 with the sending of only 15 military observers to the Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) mission, has reached a unique milestone today in 2026. In the past four decades, Bangladesh has participated with great distinction in 63 successful missions in 43 countries around the world.
Since its inception, more than 2,06,000 members of our armed forces (army, navy and air force) and police forces have been directly involved in this global peace process. According to the latest updated statistics of 2026, Bangladesh has consistently topped the list of countries contributing the highest number of peacekeepers to the United Nations (currently in 4th position). Currently, about 5,860 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are serving with great devotion in 10 active missions around the world.

Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality:
The participation of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers in modern peacekeeping operations is a shining reflection of Bangladesh’s gender equality and women’s empowerment in the world today. Currently, the participation of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers in peacekeeping missions has increased to about 11 percent. The history that Bangladesh created by deploying the first all-female Muslim police unit in Haiti is recognized as a groundbreaking step by Bangladesh in international peace diplomacy.

Glorious statistics of sacrifice written in blood: Bangladeshi peacekeepers have made immense and extreme sacrifices while performing their duties in the most dangerous, war-torn and conflict-prone areas of the world. According to official data available as of May 2026, a total of “175” Bangladeshi peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives for world peace while on duty since 1988. Including casualties in other missions, including Sudan in the most recent 2025 and 2026, this number of martyrs has reached 175. In addition, “more than 272” members have been seriously injured and maimed in landmine explosions, ambushes and accidents.
Below is a brief picture of casualties by force:

Historical Tragedy and International Recognition:
Bangladesh has faced some major tragedies in this long journey. On December 25, 2003, 15 Bangladeshi peacekeepers and officers were killed in a tragic plane crash in Benin, West Africa, which was one of the saddest days in our peacekeeping history. Similarly, in 2005, 9 Bangladeshi peacekeepers were martyred in a brutal ambush by rebels on a UN convoy in Congo (MONUSCO).
In recognition of this heroic sacrifice of Bangladesh, the slain peacekeepers have been posthumously awarded the prestigious ‘Dag Hammarskjöld Medal’ of the United Nations.

Symbol of Trust: A Bond of Hearts Beyond Borders:
Bangladeshi peacekeepers not only protect borders or security, but have also become a “symbol of trust” in the hearts of local people by building roads, providing free medical care, and distributing humanitarian aid in African countries like Sierra Leone, Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. The depth of this human bond is so great that the Sierra Leone government has given honorary status to ‘Bangla’ as one of their official languages ​​in gratitude, which is a historic event in the global spread of the Bengali language.

June 10: International Peacekeepers Day: June 10 is the United Nations International Peacekeepers Day. On the occasion of the International United Nations Peacekeepers Day, our sincere greetings and deep respect to all peacekeepers around the world. Today, we wish the souls of the brave peacekeepers who sacrificed their precious lives while fulfilling the great responsibility of establishing world peace, forgiveness and ultimate peace. Their glorious sacrifice will forever be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh. At the same time, we express our deepest condolences to the injured and affected peacekeepers and their family members.
Our peacekeepers have enhanced the reputation of the country by demonstrating professionalism, skills and human values ​​in different countries of the world. This responsible role of theirs has further strengthened the geopolitical position of Bangladesh in the international arena.
We firmly believe that it is possible to build a safe and peaceful world based on mutual respect, cooperation and tolerance. And in the journey towards building a peaceful world, Bangladesh will always play a leading role on the world stage with its utmost sacrifice and professionalism – this is our commitment on this historic day.

Author: Professor Dr. Asif Mizan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Daaru Salaam Universityand political analyst.