Bangladesh Calls for Increased Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser, Salahuddin Ahmed, has called for expanding the country's participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions during a bilateral meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Operational Support (DOS), Atul Khare, at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday (July 6, local time).

The meeting focused on a range of bilateral issues, including operational support for Bangladeshi military and police contingents deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, faster reimbursement procedures, environmental sustainability, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, and preparations for deploying Bangladesh's specialized police contingent to Haiti.

At the outset, the adviser thanked the DOS for its continued support in facilitating reimbursement processes for Bangladeshi peacekeepers. He also expressed appreciation to the department's Environment Section for promoting environmental sustainability through the installation of solar panels in UN peacekeeping missions.

Highlighting Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change, Salahuddin Ahmed said the country remains committed to reducing the environmental footprint of peacekeeping operations. He noted that Bangladesh was the first country to install solar panels in UN peacekeeping missions and expressed interest in working with the UN to expand the use of renewable energy and solar power across mission areas.

The adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh's strong commitment to implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. He urged the UN to invest more in environmentally friendly and women-friendly infrastructure to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for female peacekeepers. He also emphasized the importance of enhanced capacity-building and advanced training to better equip peacekeepers for hostile and high-risk operational environments.

Regarding Haiti, Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh Police has completed preparations to deploy three highly capable Specialized Formed Police Units (FPUs) to address the country's complex and volatile security situation.

He said the specialized units possess advanced capabilities beyond conventional FPUs, including SWAT operations, rapid response, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), forensic and crime scene management, organized crime and cybercrime investigations, riverine operations, and counter-narcotics missions.

To ensure the effective utilization of these specialized capabilities in Haiti, the adviser presented several proposals to relevant UN departments. He announced that a three-member high-level delegation from Bangladesh Police will participate in Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) negotiations at the UN Headquarters from July 15 to 17, 2026, and expressed hope for the UN's full cooperation in incorporating the proposed equipment and operational requirements.

He also said Bangladesh is prepared to co-deploy specialized police teams or platoons alongside self-sustaining units from other Police Contributing Countries (PCCs), in addition to deploying full Formed Police Units.

Concluding the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to global peace under the UN flag and expressed confidence that the professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, combined with the UN's logistical support, would further strengthen international peacekeeping efforts.

UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare highly praised the professionalism, discipline, and courage of Bangladeshi peacekeepers. He also commended Bangladesh's leadership in environmental sustainability and assured that the proposals regarding the deployment of specialized police units to Haiti would receive serious consideration. Khare further reaffirmed the UN's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh.

Ashik/M.