The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said the recent ‘false ‘and ‘fallacious’ Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary titled "Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers" presents a "misleading portrayal" of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions. "Misrepresentation and insufficient diligence can lead to eroding the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping forces globally," ISPR said on Saturday (May 25, 2024) protesting the report. More so, the Bangladesh Army has a spotless record with no human rights violations while serving under the UN, a distinction shared by only a few countries, it said in a rejoinder to Deutsche Welle (DW) Documentary on UN Peacekeepers. Given these facts, ISPR said, it is crucial for media outlets to adhere to the principles of fair and balanced reporting, especially on issues as vital as international peacekeeping. DW documentary on Peacekeepers: UN says it follows three-step screening process when deploying troops It said Bangladesh Army rigorously follows the UN's stringent selection and vetting protocols to ensure that only the most qualified and thoroughly vetted individuals are deployed. "These measures underscore the Army's commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in peacekeeping missions," ISPR said. Furthermore, it said, DW did not seek comments from the Bangladesh Army regarding the allegations presented in the documentary. "This lack of balanced reporting raises concerns about the aim and objective of the documentary. It is pretty clear that the documentary was focused on defaming a law enforcing agency of Bangladesh showing irrelevant video footages," ISPR said. "It was totally a biased media projection, which has largely compromised the credibility of the documentary. It has also raised questions about the motive behind it," ISPR added. Bangladesh highlights its contribution to UN Peacekeeping It is crucial to "recognise the significant contributions" of Bangladesh to UN peacekeeping efforts. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned a reputation for their dedication, professionalism, and humanitarian approach. A total 131 Bangladesh Army personnel have made supreme sacrifice and 239 sustained injuries while serving under the UN flag, embodying the spirit of selflessness and commitment to global peace.

Bangladesh Armed Forces have earned a total Tk 27,941 crore by participating in different UN peacekeeping missions abroad in the 23 fiscal years since 2000-01. Law Minister Anisul Huq, who is in charge of defense ministry in parliament, gave the figures in the House while replying to a tabled question of ruling Awami League MP Habibur Rahman from Bogura-5. New censorship law passed in parliament Habibur Rahman wanted to know about the amount of foreign currencies the Armed Forces of Bangladesh have earned so far through participating in the peacekeeping missions and how much foreign remittances the government has received. New customs law passed in parliament In the scripted answer, Anisul informed the House that the average income through participating in the peacekeeping mission has been Tk 1214 crore. PM states Bangladesh’s anti-war position during meeting with Vice-President of European Parliament

United Nations Under-Secretaries General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Catherine Pollard jointly paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Sunday (June 25, 2023). In the meeting, they discussed different issues including the UN peacekeeping operations, climate change and women security, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told reporters. The UN officials said the world body has successfully completed 75 years of its peacekeeping operation. Read: Discrimination, sexual abuse have no place in Peacekeeping Missions, Dhaka says They highly praised the Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their contribution to maintain peace. In this regard, the prime minister told the UN officials that Bangladesh has been contributing to the UN peacekeeping missions for three decades with dedication and professionalism. She said Bangladesh is the largest troops contributing country for the UN peacekeeping missions. "Some 7,500 Bangladeshi males and females are employed in nine UN peacekeeping missions around the globe," the press secretary quoted her as saying. Catherine Pollard thanked the prime minister for Bangladesh's contribution to the trust fund to check sexual exploitation and abuse. In reply, Hasina said Bangladesh is deeply committed to women security and increasing women's participation in UN peacekeeping. Read: UN USG for Peace Operations Lacroix to attend 1st peacekeeping ministerial preparatory meeting in Dhaka She reiterated her government's zero tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse. She said Bangladesh has taken serious punitive measures against the individuals who were found guilty through investigation in this regard. Talking about climate change, the PM said Bangladesh is a vulnerable country and her government is implementing mitigation and adaptation programmes with its own funds. Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Muhammad Abdul Muhith were present at the meeting. Read more: Evolution of UN Peacekeeping into 4th generation will create new challenges for third world countries including Bangladesh: BIPSS president

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (May 29, 2023) said maintaining peace in the world has now become more difficult than in the past as evil forces are using advanced technology against it. “With the recent development and advancement of technology, new threats of evil forces are increasing,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a programme marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers-2023 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC). She said that technology is giving people opportunities in all fields including socioeconomic development. Read more: PM seeks strong commitment from int'l community for dignified repatriation of Rohingyas “…but we also see that the evil forces are also using technology creating confusion among the people and is taking away the peace of people’s lives,” she said. She said that peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions have to deal with complex multidimensional situation. “Hence the need to enrich peacekeeping missions with advanced technology has increased manifold,” she stated. Hasina mentioned that her government has always prepared Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the latest training to deal with complex situations in the world's most challenging and dangerous regions. Read more: PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress “We are ensuring the supply of clothing, other essential items, and modern military equipment compatible with the mission area's environment, weather, and terrain,” she said. In this connection, she mentioned that the government incorporated added modern mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles to the Bangladesh contingents and state-of-the-art technology for peacekeeper communications.  “Incorporating modern technology and training are an ongoing process that we will continue in the future,” she added. The prime minister reiterated that Bangladesh believes in peace and would do whatever is required for peace. Read more: PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress “We believe in peace, not in conflict. Bangladesh always believes in peace and it would do  whatever is required to establish peace,” she said.  Hasina said that her government's efforts will continue so that the peacekeepers of Bangladesh can respond to the UN’s call with more confidence. “I hope Bangladeshi peacekeepers will keep the country's honour and image bright by working with their skills, professionalism, courage, and dedication,” she added. She said that peacekeepers of the country work tirelessly to prevent conflict, protect civilians, ensure human rights and establish peace. Read more: PM mourns death of ex-Mohila League leader Taslima “Because of your sincere work, the people of all those countries have given you unconditional love,” she said. She mentioned that Local citizens of many countries associated with the Bangladeshi contingent have learned Bengali culture and language from them. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have set an exemplary example in maintaining world peace and brighten the image of the country, she said. Currently, 7,436 peacekeepers of Bangladesh are engaged in the UN peacekeeping missions and activities, and the number is about 9.8 percent of the total number of peacekeepers deployed worldwide. This includes 572 Bangladeshi women peacekeepers. Read more: PM leaves Doha for home ending 3-day visit “We continue our efforts to increase the number of women peacekeepers,” she said. The UN secretary-general has requested to send more female peacekeepers, she said. She said that Bangladesh’s peacekeepers have successfully completed 63 UN missions in 40 countries worldwide. Currently, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are engaged in 14 UN missions and activities. 20 contingents of the Bangladesh Army, two of the Bangladesh Navy, four of the Bangladesh Air Force, and three of the Bangladesh Police are working in these missions. Read more: Govt’s continuity needed to ensure sustainable development: Food Minister The PM said that Bangladesh has deployed a Force Protection Battalion in Abyei of South Sudan, while added a mechanised infantry company as a Quick Reaction Force in Mali, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon in the Congo, and a Level-2 Hospital Contingent in the Central African Republic. Besides, she said, deployment of a new Armed Utility Helicopter Unit of the Bangladesh Army, a new Mechanized Infantry Company as the Base Defense Contingent, and an Airfield Support Unit of the Bangladesh Air Force is underway in Mali. She added that high-ranking officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are engaged in several missions as Force Commanders, Deputy Force Commanders, and Sector Commanders. “Apart from peacekeeping missions, we actively participate and contribute to other international forums,” she said. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing review Rohingya repatriation effort “Today, Bangladesh is a responsible and reliable name in international efforts to maintain peace and security,” she added. At the end of the function, the prime minister virtually talked with the members of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in different countries including South Sudan, Mali, Lebanon, Central African Republic and D R Congo.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the nature of peacekeeping has changed due to the use of advanced technology and sophisticated weapons, the misuse of social media and the ongoing global epidemic. He made the remarks at the “Army Chiefs' Conclave” at multipurpose complex of Dhaka Cantonment. Bangladesh Army organised the seminar with the participation of local and foreign military and civilian dignitaries. Also read: Bangladesh tops in UN Peacekeeping Mission Foreign Minister Momen said meaningful mutual cooperation, increased participation of women and development of health-related emergencies were essential to address the challenges posed by this unprecedented global epidemic in establishing world peace. The main topic of discussion at the seminar was ‘Future Trend of Global Conflict: The Role of UN Peacekeepers’.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday reaffirmed that the country's armed forces will be provided with more modern equipment and technologies as ensuring top quality modernised force is very important.

Bangladesh has secured the top position among 118 countries in sending troops to the United Nations peacekeeping missions.