Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the following Message on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2024:
“Like other host and partner countries, including the United Nations, celebrating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2024 in Bangladesh delighted me. I think the theme set for this day, ‘Fit for the Future, Building Better Together,’ has been timely. I proudly recall Bangladesh’s important role in UN peacekeeping operations and extend my best wishes and congratulations to all members of Bangladesh working in peacekeeping missions. I remember with profound respect the sacrifice of peacekeepers who lost their lives for world peace. I pray for their souls to rest in peace and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Bangladesh became a member of the United Nations on September 17, 1974, and the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in his historic speech at the United Nations General Session on September 25 of the same year, said, ‘Peace is absolutely necessary to protect the existence of humanity. The deep hopes and aspirations of all men and women worldwide are embodied in this peace. Peace can never last if it is not founded on justice.’ In the General Session, he expressed a firm commitment to Bangladesh’s continued support for peace in the world. Since then, Bangladesh has maintained good relations with all the peaceful and friendly countries of the world and has actively participated in all the peacekeeping activities conducted under the mandate of the United Nations to establish global peace. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was awarded the ‘Julio-Curie Peace Award’ on May 23,1973, in recognition of his contribution to establishing world peace and human rights.
Following the philosophy of the Father of the Nation, Bangladesh has established itself as a staunch proponent of world peace. We put forward the Declaration and Program Resolution on ‘Culture of Peace’ at the United Nations in 1997, which was unanimously adopted in 1999. Later, the United Nations declared 2000 as the ‘International Year of Culture of Peace’ and 2001-2010 as the ‘Culture of Peace and the Decade of Non-violence’. Bangladesh feels that establishing a ‘Culture of Peace’ is essential to comprehensively consolidating the message of peace and implementing Agenda 2030.
Bangladesh’s commitment to global peacekeeping and peace-building efforts is unwavering. Through the professionalism, skill, and dedication of our peacekeepers in establishing peace and earning the trust of the local communities, we have earned the distinction of being the country that sends the highest number of peacekeepers to the United Nations. Our efforts in promoting women’s rights and gender equality are instrumental in implementing the ‘Women, Peace, and Security agenda.’ The reputation of Bangladesh has increased due to the participation of our women in peacekeeping operations.
The Awami League government remains steadfast in its efforts to support our peacekeepers, enabling them to respond to the United Nations’ call with even greater confidence. I am hopeful that the courage and dedication of our peacekeeping members will elevate Bangladesh’s standing as a formidable peacekeeping nation, tirelessly working to prevent conflicts, protect civilians, ensure human rights, and establish peace. Together, we will continue to enhance our country’s image and make it shine brighter.
I wish all the programs undertaken on the occasion of the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2024’ grand success and well-being for all peacekeepers.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh Live Forever.”