Bangladesh earned the equivalent of around Tk 862 crore in foreign currency from its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman disclosed the figure in parliament this afternoon in response to a question from Chattogram-13 MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam.

According to the information he presented in parliament, Bangladesh mainly earns foreign currency from UN peacekeeping operations in two ways.

One part comes from various facilities and allowances provided by the United Nations to peacekeepers, which the members concerned receive directly.

In addition, rent received for Bangladeshi vehicles and other equipment used in peacekeeping missions is deposited in the government treasury.

Bangladesh earned a total of Tk 1,266 crore 53 lakh 71 thousand 100 in foreign currency from peacekeeping operations in the 2022-23 fiscal year. In the previous fiscal year, the income was a total of Tk 1,833 crore 83 lakh 96 thousand 292.

According to figures as of July 31, 2023, 3,557 members of the Bangladesh Army were serving in various United Nations peacekeeping missions. Of them, 261 were women peacekeepers.

Besides, 305 members of the Navy, 268 members of the Air Force and 11 members of the police were serving in peacekeeping operations.

Khalilur Rahman also said Bangladesh’s growing economic importance, geo-strategic location and active role in the international arena have strengthened diplomatic relations and cooperation with different countries. At present, 51 countries have embassies or other diplomatic presence in Bangladesh.

Besides, various international and multilateral organisations also have representation in Dhaka.