Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged the United Nations to recruit more female peacekeepers from Bangladesh, reaffirming the country’s steadfast commitment to global peace and security efforts. The call came during a meeting on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, where UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix paid a courtesy visit.

During the discussion, the Chief Adviser emphasized Bangladesh’s readiness to contribute more troops and police if necessary and highlighted the country’s pledge of five units under the UN’s Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS) for rapid deployment. He encouraged increased participation of Bangladeshi women in peacekeeping operations and supported greater leadership roles for Bangladesh at both headquarters and field levels.

Currently, Bangladesh ranks among the top three troop-contributing countries, with 5,677 personnel serving in 10 out of 11 active UN missions. Lacroix reiterated the UN’s commitment to ensuring women are not confined to specific roles and stated the organization’s support for inclusive deployment across all peacekeeping functions.

Professor Yunus also stressed that Bangladesh adheres strictly to the UN’s vetting process and welcomes enhanced cooperation with international partners on training and accountability to ensure robust human rights compliance.

The meeting also touched on regional concerns, particularly the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, cross-border gunfire, civilian casualties, and the disruption of livelihoods near the Naf River. The Chief Adviser warned that continued instability could pose serious security risks and urged for a united international approach to resolving the Rohingya crisis.

He recalled UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to the Rohingya camps in southeastern Bangladesh, describing it as a source of renewed hope for the safe and dignified repatriation of displaced people. It was also noted that a Bangladeshi delegation, led by the Foreign Affairs Adviser, will participate in the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin on May 13–14.