Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman assumes the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday (Bangladesh Time), placing Dhaka at the helm of the UN’s most representative body at a particularly challenging moment for multilateral diplomacy.
Khalilur opens the year-long session at UN Headquarters in New York, succeeding former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. His election marks Bangladesh’s return 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, receiving 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.
His assumption of office comes as conflicts, climate-related emergencies, development pressures, and declining confidence in multilateral institutions continue to test international cooperation. In his acceptance speech, Khalilur pledged to work with all member states to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness, credibility, and relevance, while highlighting the need to restore confidence in multilateralism.
The timing also gives the presidency added diplomatic significance. Khalilur’s tenure will overlap with the selection of the next UN secretary-general, as António Guterres’ second term ends on December 31, 2026.
Ahead of the formal opening, Guterres met Khalilur at UN Headquarters and extended his congratulations and best wishes.
Khalilur, who joined Bangladesh’s Foreign Service in 1979, has held senior positions within the UN system in New York and Geneva, including at the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to attend the high-level UNGA proceedings later this month, potentially giving Bangladesh greater diplomatic visibility during the session.
