USANewsOnline.Com Desk, New York: On 20th May 2022, a U.S. Army War College delegation comprising of 18 members led by Professor Douglas Waters visited the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. The U.S. Army War College has been visiting Bangladesh Mission every year in recent times to learn about our experiences in the field of peace operation. This partnership comes as a recognition of Bangladesh’s remarkable contribution to UN peace operations and the reputation and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers. A senior officer of Bangladesh Army undergoing training in the War College was a part of this delegation.
Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN, Dr. Md Monwar Hossain, welcomed the delegation to the mission. In his welcome address, the DPR focused on Bangladesh’s important contribution to UN peacekeeping operations as the topmost troops and police-contributing country and discussed about Bangladesh’s engagements in maintaining international peace & security, sustaining peace and peacebuilding discourses at the UN. The DPR highlighted the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category. He also mentioned Bangladesh's leadership in adopting two resolutions titled `Culture of Peace’ and `Women, Peace and Security’ at the United Nations. In his speech, he stated that Bangladesh is now serving as the chair of the Peace Building Commission, the President of the UN Women Executive Board, the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, the Vice President of the General Assembly, and the Vice President of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS. The DPR also recognized that the multidimensional cooperation between the militaries of Bangladesh and the United States is increasing day by day.
Defense Advisor (DA) of Bangladesh Permanent Mission Brigadier General Md Sadequzzaman briefed the delegation about Bangladesh’s engagement in the UN peacekeeping operations and the dedicated role played by the Bangladeshi peacekeepers. He said, “Bangladesh was always at the forefront of United Nations peacekeeping operations. So far, 1,80,661 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 54 UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, there are 6802 Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in 09 different missions. As many as 160 peacekeepers lost their lives in the line of duty while 240 have been injured”. The DA also mentioned that there are currently 387 women peacekeepers deployed in the peacekeeping missions. At present, Bangladesh Police has a female Formed Police Unit (FPU) in the mission. He also portrayed Bangladesh’s success stories in bringing peace to various war-ravaged parts of the world for more than three decades.
The US Army War College delegation applauded the Bangladesh Mission for the valuable exchange of information, excellent arrangement, and warm hospitality. The Deputy Permanent Representative thanked the U.S. Army War College delegation for choosing Bangladesh Permanent Mission for their visit.