A Police Contingent Returning Home from Peacekeeping Mission

A contingent of Bangladesh Police deployed in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is returning home. Their return is scheduled to be completed by October 20. Sources say the decision was made due to budget constraints in the UN peacekeeping mission.

Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional DIG (UN Operations) at Police Headquarters, said, “We have been serving in UN peacekeeping missions with great reputation. Due to a budget shortfall, one contingent will be returning. If the budget issue is resolved, a new contingent may be deployed again in Congo or elsewhere as needed.”

The 180-member contingent, including 75 female police officers, arrived in Congo on August 26. After completing their training, they began operations on September 10. They were assigned to duties in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. Their operational activities have been suspended since Wednesday. Bangladesh police contingents have been serving in Congo since 2005.

According to relevant sources, currently, Bangladesh Police has no other contingent deployed in any UN peacekeeping mission besides Congo. Contingents from countries like Cameroon, Senegal, and Egypt, who are also serving in the Congo mission, will also be partially reduced. However, Bangladesh's contingent will be fully withdrawn.

Another source said the return of the Bangladesh Police contingent is expected to be completed by October 20. However, a few members may stay behind temporarily to handle administrative and logistical tasks, including organizing and preparing equipment for return. Unless the timeline is extended, most members will return within the scheduled time.

Recent reports by Reuters and AFP have highlighted that the UN will reduce peacekeeping forces by at least 25% from nine missions worldwide over the coming months. The primary reason behind this decision is financial shortfall, as well as uncertainty over future funding from the United States. This reduction will affect between 13,000 to 14,000 troops, police personnel, and a significant number of civilian staff.

The United States is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, providing approximately 26% of the mission's funding. China follows, contributing around 24%.

Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned a strong reputation for their service in UN peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh ranks third among countries contributing peacekeepers. Nepal holds the top position, followed by Rwanda in second place.

Since 1989, Bangladesh Police has played a crucial role in UN peacekeeping missions. The first mission was in Namibia. Until May 2025, more than 21,000 officers from Bangladesh Police will have served in 26 missions across 24 countries. These include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Currently, some police officers from Bangladesh are serving in peacekeeping roles in South Sudan and the Central African Republic as Individual Police Officers (IPOs).