Department of Peace, Conflict and Human Rights under the Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS), Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), organized a seminar titled “Blue Helmet for Peace: Contribution of Bangladesh in UN Peacekeeping Missions” on November 27, 2024, at the Bijoy Auditorium. The seminar aimed to provide students with a detailed background on Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting its motivations, experiences, challenges and achievements in contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability worldwide.

The seminar was moderated by Assistant Professor Abdullah Shahnewaz, from the Department of Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights, Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS), Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).

The keynote speech was delivered by Major General Md Main Ullah Chowdhury, OSP, SUP, awc, psc (Retd), who has an illustrious military career spanning over 36 years of post-commissioned service. He provided a comprehensive discussion on the role of United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSO), the challenges and dynamics of the global environment, various aspects of peacekeeping operations (PKO), and the roles and challenges faced by PKOs in the contemporary world.

The first panel speaker, Brigadier General Md Sadequzzaman, ndc, afwc, psc, MPhil, currently serving as the Deputy Commandant of BIPSOT, elaborated on several dimensions of the UN training architecture. He emphasized the pivotal role of BIPSOT in planning and preparing Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their missions.

The second panel speaker was Colonel Andrew Monyluk M. Riak, an experienced military officer with over 20 years of diverse service in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). Currently attending the National Defence College (NDC 2024) at Mirpur Cantonment, Colonel Riak offered insightful perspectives on Bangladesh's peacekeeping missions in South Sudan. He highlighted the expectations of the local Sudanese population and the challenges faced during these missions.

The seminar concluded with an engaging interactive session, fostering a productive dialogue between the speakers and participants. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Nazmus Sakib, psc, Chairman of the Department of Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights, extended a gracious vote of thanks.

The event was well-attended by all faculty members and students of the Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS), marking a successful and insightful academic gathering.