Warning against past attempts to tarnish their image at home and abroad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged military personnel to uphold professionalism, unity, discipline and chain of command to preserve the force’s honour and dignity.
The government is working to gradually modernise the armed forces and police for UN peacekeeping missions and international duties, he said at a programme marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment.
Addressing members of the armed forces, he said the military is a symbol of the country’s independence, honour and courage.
“A major of the army declared the independence of Bangladesh. I believe this glory and pride will remain an eternal source of inspiration for our armed forces. So, it is the duty of the armed forces to ensure that this honour is never diminished in any way,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said Bangladesh’s armed forces have earned global recognition through their role in UN peacekeeping missions though attempts were made at different times to create confusion and damage the image of the forces at home and abroad.
“There have also been attempts, both at home and abroad, to tarnish the image of the armed forces. Overcoming all such conspiracies and challenges, the Armed Forces united under the leadership of the Proclaimer of Independence and regained their footing on November 7, 1975,” Tarique said.
Despite that, he said attempts to undermine the unity of the Armed Forces continued at different times through various incidents.
The Prime Minister referred to the “major blow” suffered by the armed forces during the BDR mutiny in February 2009, saying the consequences of the incident were well known to the nation.
He said instead of merely reflecting on the past, a scope has now been created for the state to establish itself with dignity and full integrity by learning from past experiences in a fascism-free Bangladesh.
“Those serving in the armed forces, government, or public administration are all citizens of Bangladesh. This country belongs to all of us. Wherever we serve, at home or abroad, let it be our commitment today to perform our duties properly and responsibly,” Tarique Rahman said.
Highlighting global challenges, he said the world is now passing through a complex situation where peacekeeping missions have become more risky and multidimensional due to changing geopolitical realities and rapid technological advancement.
“Besides conventional warfare, cyber warfare, misuse of artificial intelligence, media propaganda and climate-induced security threats have emerged as new obstacles to global peace,” the Prime Minister said adding that future peacekeeping missions must be more modern, visionary and technology-based.
He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to peace, global stability and humanity on the international stage.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh firmly believes in the principles of independence, sovereignty and mutual respect among nations.“As an independent and self-respecting nation, Bangladesh will always remain committed to peace, global stability and humanity in the international arena.”
During the programme, he handed over special honours to the wives of six Bangladeshi soldiers who embraced martyrdom in Sudan in 2025 while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
He also handed over honours to the members of the armed forces who were injured in peacekeeping missions including in the Sudan attack.
The Prime Minister virtually exchanged greetings with Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in different missions abroad.
He paid tribute to fallen peacekeepers, saying 175 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died in UN missions since 1988.
The Prime Minister also expressed sympathy to their families and prayed for the departed souls.
“Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned worldwide respect through their sincerity, professionalism and sense of duty. Every member of a peacekeeping mission represents Bangladesh and carries the country’s honour abroad,” he said.
He noted that more than 2,00,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in 63 missions across 43 countries, while around 5,860 are currently deployed in 10 missions.
Tarique Rahman said preparations are underway for a new mission in Haiti.
He also praised the contribution of women peacekeepers, saying about 11 per cent of Bangladesh’s contingent in UN missions are female members serving with courage in challenging environments.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniak spoke at the programme.
Senior civil and military officials, including the army chief, navy chief, air chief and the Inspector General of Police, attended the programme. Representatives of the United Nations were also present.
A short documentary on the achievements of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers was presented at the programme.
Bangladesh is observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers with due solemnity today (Wednesday), deferring its national observance from May 29 due to the recent Eid holidays.