New york: Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set to assume the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) tomorrow, marking a defining moment for Bangladesh’s diplomacy and enhancing the country’s global visibility. The year-long presidency places a Bangladeshi diplomat at the helm of the UN’s most representative organ at a critical juncture when conflicts, climate emergencies, development setbacks, and eroding confidence in multilateralism are testing the international system. Khalilur will open the 81st session at the UN Headquarters in New York at 3 pm local time on Tuesday, succeeding Germany’s former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock. His assumption of office will return Bangladesh 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khalilur was elected on June 2 through a secret ballot, securing 99 votes against 91 received by Cyprus’ candidate Andreas S Kakouris. The presidency was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN’s regional rotation system. Bangladesh earned the prestigious honour around four months after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed his office on February 17. The premier is going to attend this UNGA session as well.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today described Khalilur’s 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 this afternoon. Shama attributed the success in part to what she described as international confidence in Bangladesh following its return to elected democratic governance.
Shama said the presidency would give Bangladesh greater global visibility and opportunities to articulate issues of importance across the multilateral system. She particularly highlighted the Rohingya crisis, saying the presidency would provide an opportunity to keep the issue high on the international agenda and mobilise stronger global attention towards a sustainable solution. Bangladesh has been hosting more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and seeking stronger international engagement for their safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified repatriation.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Khalilur’s election demonstrated Bangladesh’s ability 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 rather than coercion.
Former ambassador to the United States M Humayun Kabir also viewed the election as an expression of international confidence in Bangladesh at an important point in its democratic journey. Kabir said its significance should also be viewed against the backdrop of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first visit to the United Nations as prime minister following the July Revolution and Bangladesh’s renewed democratic journey.
In his acceptance speech, Khalilur acknowledged the serious challenges confronting the international system. “Multilateralism is under pressure and the United Nations continues to face significant financial stress,” he said, warning that such challenges could undermine public confidence in the world body’s ability to deliver. Khalilur pledged to work with all member states to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness, credibility, and relevance. His priorities include restoring trust in multilateralism, advancing 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 Ant³nio Guterres’ term expires on December 31, 2026. Guterres congratulated Khalilur following his election and expressed confidence in his diplomatic experience and commitment to strengthening the world body. A career diplomat and economist, Khalilur joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1979 and later served in senior positions in the UN system in New York and Geneva, particularly under the UN Conference on Trade and Development. His experience in multilateral diplomacy, development economics, the Rohingya crisis, and national security is expected to help him build consensus among member states amid deepening geopolitical divisions.