Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday paid tribute to Bangladeshi peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the United Nations flag, saying that 175 members of the country’s peacekeeping contingents have been martyred since 1988.

Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at the Army Hall in Dhaka Cantonment, the Prime Minister remembered peacekeepers from around the world who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of global peace.

“At this International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, I remember with deep respect those brave peacekeepers from across the world who sacrificed their lives while carrying out the noble responsibility of maintaining world peace,” he said.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented special honors to the families of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in Sudan in 2025 while serving in a UN mission. Members of the armed forces injured in recent peacekeeping operations were also honored.

The Prime Minister later exchanged greetings virtually with Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in various UN missions around the world.

Expressing condolences to the families of fallen peacekeepers, Tarique Rahman said many others had also been injured while serving in UN missions and prayed for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives.

He described the sacrifices of Bangladeshi peacekeepers as a shining example for peace-loving people around the world, saying their dedication reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace and stability.

“The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers demonstrate not only devotion to the ideals of the United Nations but also Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to preserving peace in conflict-affected regions across the world,” he said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s contribution to international peacekeeping efforts, the Prime Minister said more than 200,000 members of the armed forces and police have served in approximately 63 peacekeeping missions in 43 countries since Bangladesh first joined UN peacekeeping operations.

He added that around 5,860 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are currently serving in 10 missions worldwide and that preparations are underway for participation in a new mission in Haiti.

Tarique Rahman also praised the growing role of women in peacekeeping operations, noting that women now account for about 11 percent of Bangladesh’s peacekeeping personnel.

“The active participation of women in UN peacekeeping missions has added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s contribution to global peace,” he said, expressing hope that female participation would continue to increase in the future.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has earned international recognition as one of the world’s leading troop-contributing countries due to the professionalism, dedication and integrity of its peacekeepers.

“This reputation was not built overnight. For nearly four decades, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have established themselves as a symbol of trust and reliability in the international arena,” he said.

Describing the armed forces as a symbol of a nation’s independence, dignity and courage, Tarique Rahman recalled their historic role in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and emphasized the importance of preserving that legacy.

He also stressed the need for professionalism, unity, discipline and adherence to the chain of command within the armed forces, saying these principles are essential for maintaining honor and institutional strength.

Referring to changing global security challenges, the Prime Minister said modern peacekeeping operations face increasingly complex threats, including cyber warfare, the misuse of artificial intelligence, disinformation campaigns and the effects of climate change.

“Future peacekeeping missions must be more modern, technology-driven and strategically prepared to address emerging global challenges,” he said.

He added that the government has already undertaken phased initiatives to modernize the armed forces and police to enhance their effectiveness in international peacekeeping and other global responsibilities.