Bangladesh expresses readiness to contribute troops to Gaza peace force

Bangladesh has emerged as a potential troop-contributing nation for a proposed international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip. In a diplomatic meeting in Washington, Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman conveyed his country's interest in participating in a future Gaza peacekeeping mission to senior U.S. diplomats, who affirmed the United States' readiness to collaborate on the matter.

Diplomatic Engagement in Washington

During discussions in the U.S. capital, National Security Adviser Rahman met with U.S. officials Allison Hooker and Paul Kapur. He formally communicated that Bangladesh is "interested in being part of a Peacekeeping Force to be deployed in Gaza." In response, U.S. diplomat Allison Hooker stated that Washington is "prepared to work with Bangladesh on this important issue," indicating a mutual openness to future cooperation on Gaza's security architecture.

The Context of a U.S.-Backed Plan for Gaza

The dialogue between Dhaka and Washington occurs within the framework of a broader U.S.-initiated plan for Gaza, which is contingent on the implementation of the second phase of a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. A key component of this plan is the establishment of an international force to stabilize the territory. The United Nations Security Council has already authorized the creation of a temporary "International Peacekeeping Force" in Gaza, empowering it to work alongside newly trained Palestinian police.

The Mandate and Composition of the Proposed Force

The UNSC mandate for the proposed force is broad and complex. It includes providing security and stabilizing Gaza by implementing a demilitarization process. This process encompasses "the destruction and prevention of the reconstruction of military, terrorist and attack infrastructure and the permanent disabling of the weapons of non-state armed groups." The composition of the force remains a subject of international negotiation, with Türkiye also widely expected to participate despite objections from Israel, highlighting the intricate political balancing act required for its formation. Bangladesh's offer adds a new dimension to these ongoing preparations.