PM Tarique congratulates Khalilur on UN General Assembly presidency

“This achievement reflects Bangladesh’s growing contribution and credibility on the global stage,” Tarique writes on Facebook

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on being elected as the president of the United Nations General Assembly.

After the election results came out on Tuesday, the premier expressed his thoughts in a post on his Facebook page, writing: “Congratulations to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on being elected as the president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“This achievement is a reflection of Bangladesh’s growing contribution and credibility on the global stage.

“We believe he will represent the country with pride and foster connection, dialogue, and cooperation to tackle multidimensional challenges. We wish him success in this new responsibility.”

The voting for the presidency took place on Tuesday morning local time at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

His rival in the vote was Andreas S Kakouris, special envoy of the foreign minister of Cyprus.

Representatives from 193 member states voted through a secret ballot.

In addition to the two candidates, delegates were also allowed to cast write-in votes.

A total of 190 votes were cast in the election.

Khalilur secured 99 votes, while Kakouris received 91 votes.

With Khalilur's win, Bangladesh gets its second UNGA president after Humayun Rashid Choudhury in 1986.

Khalilur has spent most of his career working with different United Nations agencies.

He joined the foreign ministry after topping the first regular Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination held in 1977.

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.