"The Constitution and the Spirit of the Great Liberation War Are the Core Inspiration of Our Armed Forces" — Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman
May 31, 2025 | Dhaka, Bangladesh
Chief of Army Staff General Waker Uz Zaman has stated that the core inspiration for the Bangladesh Armed Forces stems from the guidance of the Constitution and the invaluable lessons learned from the immense sacrifices made during the Great Liberation War. He affirmed that this spirit fuels Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to global peacekeeping.
He made these remarks on Thursday (May 29) during an event organized by the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh in Tejgaon, Dhaka, marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The ceremony, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, honored injured peacekeepers.
General Waker began his speech by paying tribute to the brave soldiers and police officers who sacrificed their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions. “I solemnly remember the 168 heroic soldiers and police personnel who gave their lives in various peacekeeping operations. I pray for the eternal peace of their departed souls. The nation will always remember their sacrifice with deep respect,” he said.
He highlighted that since 1988, Bangladesh has played an active role in promoting global peace under the UN’s call. Currently, 4,880 personnel from the Army, 343 from the Navy, 396 from the Air Force, and 199 from the Police—a total of 5,518 Bangladeshi peacekeepers—are deployed in nine UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
“Our peacekeepers are facing challenges with professionalism, ethical values, and high-level training, often risking their lives while maintaining neutrality,” he said. “Alongside our male personnel, 3,645 female peacekeepers have also successfully participated in peacekeeping operations, with 444 women currently serving.”
He proudly announced that a helicopter contingent has recently been deployed in the Congo mission. Additionally, Bangladesh has donated explosive disposal equipment to the Peruvian army. In the Central African Republic, a community clinic established under Bangladesh’s supervision is providing health services to the local population. Both the President and the Army Chief of the Central African Republic were present at the clinic’s inauguration and expressed their appreciation.
At one point, addressing diplomats and foreign guests in English, the Army Chief said:
“I would like to inform you that Bangladesh reiterates its strong commitment to global peace, as evidenced by our consistent response to the United Nations’ calls. The source of our inspiration lies in the directives of our Constitution and the invaluable lessons drawn from the supreme sacrifices made during our Great Liberation War. We remain steadfast in our support of global peace now and in the future.”
The event also featured a special presentation on UN peacekeeping operations.
UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis and Acting Foreign Secretary Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique also delivered speeches.
