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Published : 01 Jun 2026, 11:39 PM
Bangladesh has expressed optimism over the election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the United Nations General Assembly.
On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh is a “very strong contender”.
“...we are in a very good position in this election. Our foreign minister has extensive experience and a long career at the United Nations.
“So we are very hopeful that Bangladesh will win, and I think many new doors will open for Bangladesh, for the people of Bangladesh. It will be a moment of pride for Bangladesh.”
Voting will begin at 8pm Bangladesh time on Tuesday, at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
According to information on the UN website, the presidency rotates regionally, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to produce the president this time.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had earlier nominated then foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain for the election.
Although Bangladesh temporarily suspended its candidacy due to another candidate from Palestine for the same post, it did not withdraw its nomination.
Later, after the Palestinian candidate withdrew, Bangladesh’s candidacy was reinstated.
Following a change of government, Khalilur was nominated as Bangladesh’s candidate in place of the interim foreign minister.
Khalilur’s rival in the election is Andreas S Kakouris, the special envoy of the foreign minister of Cyprus.
If elected, Khalilur will become the second Bangladeshi representative to hold the presidency of the UN General Assembly.
40 years ago, Bangladeshi politician Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as president of the 41st session of the UN General Assembly.
Khalilur has spent most of his career working with different United Nations agencies.
After serving as spokesperson for the least developed countries at the UN, he also served as a personal assistant to Humayun during the 41st session.
Will Khalilur Remain Foreign Minister If Elected?
There are precedents of General Assembly presidents continuing their national government roles, as well as examples of full-time service in the post.
Khalilur has already pledged to serve full-time as president of the UN General Assembly if elected.
It is yet to be decided whether he will continue serving as foreign minister if elected.
Shama said the decision will be taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
