CA Yunus urges UN to recruit more Bangladeshi women peacekeepers
Bangladesh currently ranks among the top three troop- and police-contributing countries (TPCCs), with 5,677 peacekeepers deployed across 10 of the UN’s 11 active missions
Highlights:
- CA pushes for greater Bangladeshi leadership in peacekeeping roles
- UN pledges support for enhancing Bangladesh's peacekeeping presence
- Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to UN vetting and human rights standards
- Yunus raises concerns over Myanmar unrest and the Rohingya crisis
- Bangladesh to join UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in May
Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus has urged the United Nations to recruit more women peacekeepers from Bangladesh, reaffirming the country's strong commitment to international peacekeeping and global security efforts.
He made the call during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today (20 April), according to a media statement issued by the CA Press Wing.
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Various aspects of UN peacekeeping were discussed in detail during the meeting.
"One thing that I encourage is the participation of more Bangladeshi women in peacekeeping missions," the chief adviser told Lacroix.
Bangladesh currently ranks among the top three troop- and police-contributing countries (TPCCs), with 5,677 peacekeepers deployed across 10 of the UN's 11 active missions.
Highlighting the UN's policy on promoting gender inclusivity in peacekeeping, Lacroix said, "We don't want to confine women in specific roles," adding that the UN is committed to supporting the recruitment of women in all areas of peace operations.
The chief adviser reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to deploy additional troops and police personnel as needed and underscored the country's commitment to the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS), including its pledge of five units at the Rapid Deployment Level.
He also advocated for greater Bangladeshi representation in peacekeeping leadership roles, both at UN headquarters and in the field.
Lacroix responded positively, saying the UN would support Bangladesh in enhancing its leadership footprint within peacekeeping structures.
Yunus further emphasised Bangladesh's adherence to UN peacekeeper vetting processes and expressed interest in deeper collaboration with the UN and other international bodies on training, accountability, and the strengthening of human rights compliance.
It was also conveyed during the meeting that a Bangladeshi delegation led by the foreign adviser would attend the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin from 13 to 14 May 2025.
Turning to regional concerns, the CA raised the issue of escalating instability in Myanmar, citing cross-border shelling, civilian casualties, and livelihood disruptions along the Naf River, which borders the two countries.
He warned that continued unrest could pose serious security risks, urging concerted international efforts to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis.
Referring to UN Secretary General António Guterres' recent visit to Rohingya camps in southeastern Bangladesh, Yunus said, "His visit gave Rohingyas renewed hope for a safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar."
