It all began in 1988 when 31 officers of the Bangladesh army went to Iraq as peacekeepers with observer status. Since then there has been no looking back and the number of our peacekeepers stands at 9,683 deployed in 11 countries in the noble mission of upholding peace. Despite the constraints and limitations, we have always been forthcoming in rendering our service to world peace, a job which has its hazards too. We have so far lost 76 members of our peacekeeping missions. Their sacrifice for the cause of peace has been supreme. We are proud of those who laid down their lives and strengthened our bond with the humanity at large.

Bangladesh has not yet succeeded in carving out a niche for itself in the forefront of global developments in some areas. But peacekeeping is a glorious exception. Here, an economically-challenged and disadvantaged country is doing the job of peacekeeping beyond its own frontiers with great commitment. The credit goes to our armed forces who have impressed the world with their brilliant performance. They are highly regarded as soldiers for peace in the host countries.

Our armed forces have been supportive of the democratic movement at home also. At the moment, they are playing a commendable role in the highly complex task of democratic transition. That easily sets them apart from the armed forces of many developing countries. We are looking forward to a free and fair election and the armed forces have expressed their willingness to help the nation at every step along that journey.

Finally, we pray for the departed souls whose contribution to world peacekeeping will ever be remembered by all.