The number of police personnel serving in peacekeeping missions has not fallen below 230 during any period.
In fact, in both 2013 and 2016, the Bangladesh Police recorded the highest level of participation among police contingents serving in peacekeeping operations worldwide.
The police headquarters also informed that 24 members of Bangladesh Police have lost their lives while serving in peacekeeping missions in various countries. Another 15 officers were injured.
According to the Home Ministry, the government established the post of Police Counselor at the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations in 2019 to increase police participation in peacekeeping operations.
The authorities intended to appoint an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police or above to the post on deputation. However, even after seven years the post is vacant.
A police officer with experience in peacekeeping missions, speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, said the United States is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, followed by China.
He said the number of peacekeeping missions around the world has declined due to decreased funding.
However, he argued that Bangladesh Police involvement has declined significantly because of the government’s failure to appoint a police counselor and because of sanctions imposed by the United States on various law-enforcement agencies.