Bangladesh Face Central African Republic in U-15 Football Final — a Country Where Bangladeshis Serve as Peacekeepers

Bangladesh's opponents in Friday's E-tier Plate final of the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Football Festival are the Central African Republic. The final creates a new sporting relationship between Bangladesh and the African country.

But Bangladesh's relationship with the country is much older. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have long played an important role in establishing peace and stability there, and Bangladeshi soldiers have given their lives to ensure peace for its people.

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa. Its capital is Bangui. Although rich in natural resources, the country has been devastated by long-running political instability and armed conflict.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSCA began operating there in 2014 to ensure the security of civilians. Bangladesh is one of the mission's most important partners.

Five contingents of the Bangladesh Army serve in the country, alongside members of the Air Force. They contribute to ensuring security, protecting ordinary people, providing medical care and delivering humanitarian assistance.

By March 2025, 9,961 Bangladeshi military personnel had served as peacekeepers in the country. Eleven Bangladeshi soldiers have lost their lives while on duty there.

Last March, Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, visited the Central African Republic. During the visit he met the country's president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, and discussed increasing cooperation between the two countries' armies.

At that time, the country's president and Bangladesh's army chief jointly inaugurated the Touadera Community Clinic, built by Bangladeshi peacekeepers. In recognition of Bangladesh's contribution, the army chief was awarded an honorary presidential medal.

Most recently, this October, Bangladeshi peacekeepers again received recognition for their contribution to peace in the country. On 7 October, 157 members of Bangladesh's special forces received United Nations medals, including seven women.

On the football field on Friday, Bangladesh and the Central African Republic are rivals. Off the field, however, the two countries share a different story, bound by peace, humanity and cooperation — a story in which Bangladesh is not just another country, but a partner devoted to peacekeeping.