UNB, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh is ready to send more members to the UN peacekeeping missions as it is committed to playing a stronger role in establishing world peace.

“If needed further, we’re ready to send the required number of peacekeepers in response to the call of the United Nations,” she said.

The PM was addressing a programme marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2022, held at the capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre yesterday. She joined the event from the Gono Bhaban through videoconferencing.

Hasina said, “We are committed to playing a stronger role in the establishment of world peace, keeping in view ‘People Peace Progress: the Power of Partnership,’ the theme of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2022.”

She called upon all Bangladeshi peacekeepers to carry out their respective responsibilities with sincerity while maintaining professionalism and integrity in the global peacekeeping operations.

The PM also asked them to try to keep their lives protected in the missions and brighten the country’s image on the world stage.

“Always keep in mind that self-confidence is the most important thing in performing any duty. So, you all should carry out your respective duties with confidence. If so, you will be successful.”

Noting that a war following the pandemic is now badly affecting the world economy, Hasina said, “We don’t want any conflict or war. We want peace to be established throughout the world.”

The premier said Bangladesh currently has 6,825 members in UN peacekeeping missions. They account for 9.2 percent of a total of 75,516 peacekeepers from 121 countries deployed in establishing world peace.

At present, 519 women peacekeepers from Bangladesh are engaged in world peacekeeping operations, she said, adding that participation of women peacekeepers from Bangladesh armed forces and police is rising gradually.

She said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have successfully completed 55 missions in different countries. Now Bangladeshi peacekeepers are engaged in 13 missions around the world.

The PM said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned unconditional love, trust and confidence of the local people through the restoration of peace in the conflict-ridden countries by working together with other allied peacekeepers, risking their lives.

Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Rabab Fatima, is the current chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, she added.