Vacant UN Counselor Post Stalls Bangladesh Police Participation in Peacekeeping Missions
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Bangladesh’s role in United Nations peacekeeping operations is facing a significant decline, as a critical diplomatic position intended to bolster police participation remains vacant seven years after its creation. Despite a long-standing reputation for excellence, the lack of a dedicated police “counselor” at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN has left the force struggling to coordinate deployments and navigate complex administrative hurdles.
Established in 2019, the counselor position was designed to be filled by a senior officer at the rank of Superintendent of Police or higher to act as a primary liaison with the UN’s Department of Peace Operations. According to police headquarters, this vacancy has hindered the department’s ability to communicate its operational capabilities effectively, resulting in missed opportunities for deployments. Officials note that while the current “Defense Advisor”—who primarily focuses on military contingents—also oversees police matters, the distinct operational nature of police work makes this arrangement insufficient.
The decline in numbers is stark. Police records indicate that there are currently only 35 officers serving in African missions, such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. This contrasts sharply with historical performance; since 1989, more than 21,800 Bangladeshi police officers have served in UN missions, with participation levels previously never dipping below 230 personnel. In both 2013 and 2016, Bangladesh stood as one of the world’s top contributors of police peacekeepers.
Beyond the logistical challenges, the absence of a dedicated liaison has impacted the administrative support for personnel in the field. Officials indicate that without a specialized counselor, there have been delays in securing compensation for officers injured or killed in the line of duty. Since the inception of these missions, 24 Bangladeshi police officers have lost their lives, and 15 have been injured.
Financial implications for the force are also significant. Beyond individual salaries, which range from $2,000 to $7,000 monthly, the police earn substantial revenue through the leasing of equipment, vehicles, and weaponry to the UN. By the end of 2023, these contributions generated over 4 billion taka for the force.
While broader global factors—including reduced UN funding and international sanctions—have contributed to a general downturn in peacekeeping participation globally, police leadership maintains that the lack of internal coordination is a primary culprit for Bangladesh’s specific regression. As of now, the force is preparing a contingent of 525 officers for a potential deployment to Haiti, yet the systemic issues regarding high-level representation remain unresolved.
Assistant Inspector General A.H.M. Shahadat Hossain confirmed that the police headquarters has formally requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the appointment of the counselor. Until the position is filled, the force remains at a distinct disadvantage in advocating for its personnel, navigating the complex nomination process, and maintaining its historical standing as a cornerstone of international peacekeeping.
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