The United Nations has ordered the withdrawal of Bangladesh’s last remaining police contingent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a significant shift in the country’s long-standing participation in global peacekeeping operations. The move has raised fresh concerns about Bangladesh’s future role in UN peace missions.
The contingent, comprising around 180 members including 70 female officers, is expected to return home by November. Notably, just two months ago, Bangladesh deployed an all-female police unit as part of this mission—an initiative that drew international praise.
An internal UN document obtained by The Business Standard shows that the organization plans to gradually downsize personnel in missions across the DRC, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. However, a complete withdrawal has been ordered only for Bangladesh, while the units from Cameroon, Senegal, and Egypt will see partial reductions.
Both UN and Bangladesh Police sources confirmed that the decision stems mainly from the UN’s ongoing budget crisis and cost-cutting measures.
An Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at the Police Headquarters said, “The Police Commissioner of the UN Mission in Congo has informed our unit commander verbally. We haven’t yet received an official letter. We have always served with full responsibility—so this decision is disappointing.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Media) Shahadat Hossain declined to comment on the matter.
However, a former Additional Superintendent of Police, who previously served in UN missions, described the move as a reflection of Bangladesh’s declining diplomatic influence. He noted, “Usually, the UN reduces personnel gradually. But ordering a complete withdrawal for Bangladesh is unusual. The government should have engaged diplomatically to address this.”
According to sources, 162 members will return in the first phase by October 20, while the remaining 18 will follow by mid-November after completing administrative tasks. The unit, which arrived in Congo in August, began operations in September, only to receive withdrawal orders a month later.
Since 2005, Bangladesh’s Female Formed Police Unit (FPU) has been a regular part of UN peacekeeping in Congo. In August this year, the unit held its medal parade attended by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, recognizing their exceptional performance.
At least ten officers told The Business Standard that the decision is a major setback for Bangladesh’s achievements in UN peacekeeping. One officer said, “For more than three decades, this unit has brought honor to the nation. Without active government intervention, this legacy could end—hurting our national prestige.”
A senior female officer added, “The Bangladeshi Female FPU is not just a police success—it is a symbol of national pride. The government must take urgent diplomatic action now.”
Since joining its first peacekeeping mission in Namibia in 1989, the Bangladesh Police has served in 26 missions across 24 countries. Up to May 2025, more than 21,000 Bangladeshi police officers have participated in various UN missions, notably in Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.