A Seminar on “Global Peace and Harmony: Bangladesh’s Role in UN Peacekeeping” to observethe International Day of Peace 2025 was held on 21 September 2025 at Syndicate Hall, North South University, a press release said.
In the seminar, Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, PhD, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, was present as the session chair. The keynote speaker was Maj Gen Hussain Muhammad Masihur Rahman, Commandant, Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT). Also, Maj Gen (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Security Adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia, was presented as a special guest. Distinguished panelists from the Bangladesh Army, police, and academia enriched the session with their insights.
Maj Gen Masihur Rahman, in his keynote address, highlighted Bangladesh’s proud legacy and responsibility in UN peacekeeping, stressing that peace is fundamental to human life yet increasingly scarce in today’s conflict-ridden world. He noted that while internal power struggles and rising individualism threaten global harmony, Bangladesh has historically remained a nation of peace, contributing significantly through its armed forces’ sacrifices and humanitarian efforts. Underscoring the resilience of Bangladeshi peacekeepers who endure hardships away from their families, he emphasized that peacekeeping has strengthened Bangladesh’s global image by winning hearts and minds across missions. He urged a shift from being known solely as a “country of peacekeepers” to becoming a “nation of peace,” calling for a renewed social contract rooted in humanity and identifying education as the key to sustaining lasting peace, concluding with an appeal for the primacy of humanity and global harmony.
During the panel discussion, Maj Gen (Retd) Md. Main Ullah Chowdhury underscored the growing volatility threatening global peace efforts, noting that peacekeeping remains a source of national pride, soft power, and diplomatic credibility for Bangladesh, while also outlining UN peacekeeping structures. Md. Akram Hossain, Additional Inspector General (Finance) of Bangladesh Police, emphasized that Bangladesh’s peacekeeping role symbolizes an uncompromising commitment to peace. Dr. Niloy Ranjan Biswas, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the rapidly changing peacekeeping landscape, shaped by transnational terrorism, climate-induced resource politics, and disinformation warfare, calling for greater digital literacy, specialized training, and technological adaptability to secure the future. Dr. Sazzad Siddiqui, Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Dhaka, stressed the responsibility of political leadership in peacebuilding, observing that while democratic peace theory suggests democracies rarely fight each other, current realities show conflicts between democratic and non-democratic states; nevertheless, he concluded that peace, though challenged by inevitable conflicts, remains achievable.
Special Guest Maj Gen (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Security Adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia, observed that while Bangladesh’s peacekeeping contributions reflect its soft power, soft power alone is not sufficient without hard power. He noted the persistent neglect of defense and foreign policy, stressing that defense, diplomacy, and development must advance in tandem to safeguard national interests. Recalling Bangladesh’s participation in foreign missions, he highlighted that the country not only contributed to peace but also shared its culture of peace globally. He further emphasized that the military should remain outside domestic politics, while receiving due recognition for their sacrifices in protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, PhD, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, emphasized the vital role of individuals in fostering peace within society and the nation, underscoring the need to build a more diverse and harmonious community. He concluded by stressing that humanity must remain the ultimate focus in all efforts toward peace.
Dr. M. Jashim Uddin, Professor & Director, Center for Peace Studies (CPS), NSU, delivered the inaugural address and moderated the session. He expressed gratitude to all United Nations peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment to global peace. In his remarks, he underscored the critical importance of formulating a comprehensive national security policy and advocated for the establishment of a National Security Council to further strengthen Bangladesh’s peace and security architecture.
Prof. Dr. AKM Waresul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, concluded the program with a vote of thanks, affirming that Bangladesh is moving forward and must strive for a more inclusive and peaceful future. He expressed his gratitude to the keynote speaker, distinguished guests, panelists, and the Center for Peace Studies (CPS), NSU, for their valuable words.
