Since emerging as a sovereign state in 1971, Bangladesh has embraced a philosophy of global co-operation through peace and harmony, with the principle of 'Friendship to all, malice to none' at its core. Bangladesh, a nation deeply rooted in its commitment to global peace, has consistently demonstrated its resolve through active participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Since 1993, Bangladesh Navy (BN) has been a constant participant in such operations in diverse regions, from the deserts in Sudan to the jungles in Africa to the turbulent waters of Lebanon.
UNIFIL (Lebanon). The first ever Multinational Maritime Task Force (MTF) under United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was formed in 2010 to enforce UNSCR 1701 and 1884. Bangladesh Navy Ship (BNS) OSMAN (FFG) and MADHUMATI (OPV) joined the UNIFIL, MTF on May 2010 along with Brazil, Germany, Turkey, Greece and Indonesia. After successful completion of four years tour of duty both the BN ships were replaced by two new BN platforms i.e. BNS ALI HAIDER (FFG) and BNS NIRMUL (OPV) in the month of June 2014, with multiplied and diverse capability. According to the recommendations of strategic review conducted in January 2017, these BN ships have been replaced by one Corvette (BNS BIJOY) only with total crew ceiling of 110. At present BNS SANGRAM is operating in the Mediterranean sea successfully.
BN's contributions to peacekeeping extend beyond maritime and riverine operations. BN personnel have served in various staff roles, including Military Observers, Liaison Officers, and Staff Officers, contributing their expertise to the overall success of multiple UN missions. BN has prioritized gender inclusivity in its peacekeeping deployments, deploying female officers to various missions. This commitment to gender equality reflects Bangladesh's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its international engagements. Notable deployments of Bangladesh Navy include a Boat Section in the UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM), a Force Riverine Unit (FRU) in Sudan, and a Boat Detachment Unit in Ivory Coast. BN also contributed a Riverine Unit to MINUSMA in Mali and has been actively involved in the maritime component with ships in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2010.
BN has supported the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) with a Force Marine Unit (FMU) since 2015, ensuring the security of vital UN supplies and conducting various security operations. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other global forces, Bangladesh Navy blue clad heroes demonstrated the steadfast commitment of Bangladesh to global peace and security. Their participation is a testament to the nation's role as a responsible member of the international community
