UN Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury spoke at a UN side event. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh has urged stronger political support, adequate resources and modern capabilities for United Nations peacekeepers to enhance civilian protection amid rising conflicts and evolving global security threats.

Peacekeepers remain vital in protecting civilians in increasingly complex conflict situations…So, they need strong political support, adequate resources and modern capabilities to this end,” said Bangladesh permanent representative to UN Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury. 

He was speaking at a UN side event titled “Dialogue to De-escalate: How United Nations Military Peacekeepers Protect Civilians through Dialogue and Engagement” at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN on Monday, according to a message received here today. 

Ambassador Noman identified geopolitical tensions, rapid technological transformation and funding constraints as major challenges to implementing Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates, stressing the need to equip peacekeepers with capabilities to address emerging threats, including those linked to artificial intelligence and evolving warfare technologies.

Referring to Gaza and the Rohingya crisis, the ambassador expressed concern over rising civilian casualties and underscored the importance of ensuring humanitarian access, safeguarding peacekeepers and promoting dialogue-based engagement to de-escalate conflicts.

The event featured a panel discussion with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce of the UN Department of Peace Operations, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone of MINUSCA and Lieutenant Colonel Herly Sinaga of Indonesia.

The programme was co-hosted by Bangladesh, Australia, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Uruguay, Zambia and the Stimson Center.

Lisa Sharland of the Stimson Center moderated the session, which was attended by senior UN officials, diplomats and peacekeeping experts.