Sadik Sagar, Dhaka:
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s visit to the United States to participate in the informal interactive dialogue for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) reflects Bangladesh’s growing ambition to expand its diplomatic visibility and leadership role within the multilateral system.
The dialogue, scheduled for May 13 at the UN Headquarters in New York, forms a key part of the election process for the UNGA presidency. Organized under the leadership of the current General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, the session will allow member states, civil society organizations and global stakeholders to directly engage with the candidates before the election on June 2.
Analytically, Bangladesh’s candidature carries significance beyond a routine diplomatic contest. It represents Dhaka’s broader effort to position itself as an active voice for developing nations at a time when the global multilateral system faces mounting geopolitical divisions, institutional distrust and reform pressures.
Dr Khalilur Rahman enters the race with extensive UN experience spanning more than three decades. His background as Bangladesh’s representative to the General Assembly and his work with the UN Secretariat and UNCTAD provide him with strong institutional familiarity and credibility within multilateral circles. His long involvement in negotiations concerning Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-Locked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States aligns closely with Bangladesh’s diplomatic identity as a leading advocate for vulnerable economies.
The contest has become strategically more important following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, leaving Bangladesh and Cyprus as the remaining competitors from the Asia-Pacific rotation group. This effectively transforms the election into a direct diplomatic test of support networks, coalition-building and international confidence in Bangladesh’s multilateral leadership capacity.
Dhaka’s campaign also reflects its evolving foreign policy posture. Over recent years, Bangladesh has increasingly sought greater engagement in global governance discussions on climate vulnerability, migration, sustainable development, peacekeeping and economic equity. Securing the UNGA presidency would significantly enhance Bangladesh’s diplomatic profile and provide a platform to shape debates during a critical period for the United Nations.
In his vision statement, Dr Khalilur Rahman stressed the need for a “more effective and responsive multilateralism,” highlighting widespread concerns over the declining effectiveness of global institutions amid geopolitical fragmentation. His message appears aimed at positioning Bangladesh as a consensus-building actor capable of bridging divides between developed and developing countries.
The timing of the 81st session adds symbolic importance. Opening eight decades after the signing of the UN Charter, the session is expected to focus heavily on reforming and revitalizing multilateral cooperation. Bangladesh’s candidacy therefore comes at a moment when middle-power diplomacy and Global South representation are receiving increased attention within international forums.
If elected, Bangladesh would gain not only symbolic prestige but also an influential diplomatic platform to advance issues affecting developing nations and strengthen its standing within the international community.
