Bangladesh Assumes UNGA Presidency in Historic Milestone

UNGA president elect Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman -File photo

Bangladesh will assume the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today, marking a historic diplomatic milestone for the country.

According to the schedule, UNGA President-elect and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will attend a media briefing at 8:45pm Bangladesh time before taking the oath of office at 9:00pm.

He will later preside over the first plenary meeting of the UNGA’s 81st session at 1:00am Bangladesh time on Wednesday.

Khalilur will succeed Germany’s former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock as president of the 193-member General Assembly for a one-year term.

His assumption of office will bring Bangladesh back to the UNGA presidency after four decades.

Former Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Choudhury was the first Bangladeshi to hold the position, presiding over the 41st session in 1986-87.

Khalilur was elected on June 2 through a secret ballot, securing 99 votes against 91 for Cyprus’ candidate Andreas S Kakouris.

The presidency was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN’s regional rotation system.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Khalilur at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday ahead of the opening of the new session.

The United Nations office in Bangladesh shared the development and extended its “warmest congratulations and best wishes” to the incoming UNGA president.

Khalilur’s year-long presidency places a Bangladeshi diplomat at the helm of the UN’s most representative organ at a critical time, as conflicts, climate emergencies, development setbacks and declining confidence in multilateralism continue to test the international system.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam earlier described his election as an “immensely proud moment” and a significant diplomatic achievement reflecting Bangladesh’s renewed international standing.

“The election of our Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, as President of the United Nations General Assembly is a significant diplomatic achievement for the country,” she told BSS.

Shama said the presidency would enhance Bangladesh’s global visibility and create greater opportunities to highlight issues of national importance across the multilateral system.

She particularly highlighted the Rohingya crisis, saying the position would provide an opportunity to keep the issue high on the international agenda and mobilise stronger global support for a sustainable solution.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Khalilur’s election demonstrated Bangladesh’s capacity to play a constructive role in promoting international peace and stability.

Describing Bangladesh as a “soft power” and an “emerging tiger”, he said the country engages internationally through cooperation, dialogue and goodwill.

Former ambassador to the United States M Humayun Kabir termed the election a reflection of the international community’s confidence in Bangladesh at an important stage of its renewed democratic journey.

He, however, noted that the UNGA president must serve all 193 member states impartially rather than represent the interests of any individual country.

In his acceptance speech following the election, Khalilur acknowledged the serious challenges facing the international system and pledged to work with all member states to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness, credibility and relevance.

His priorities include restoring trust in multilateralism, advancing international peace and security, accelerating sustainable development, protecting human rights, promoting the interests of women, girls and vulnerable countries, and improving UN peace operations.

His presidency will also coincide with the process of selecting the next UN secretary-general, as incumbent António Guterres’ term is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.

A career diplomat and economist, Khalilur joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1979 and later served in senior positions within the UN system in New York and Geneva, particularly under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the high-level proceedings of the 81st UNGA later this month, when heads of state and government from across the world will gather in New York.