Bangladesh FM elected as UNGA president

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He secured the position in an election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, defeating the candidate from Cyprus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

The election was held at 10am in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure.

In the election, Khalilur Rahman secured 99 votes from the 193 Member States of the United Nations, defeating the candidate of Cyprus, who received 91 votes.

Although Bangladesh formally announced its candidature in 2020, the Government nominated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as its candidate on 27 February 2026, following which the country launched its full-scale international campaign.

In contrast, Cyprus announced its candidature as early as 2016 and has maintained a continuous campaign for nearly a decade, particularly intensifying its outreach efforts over the past year.

“I have accepted the responsibility with humility and respect,” Khalilur Rahman said in a briefing in UN headquarters.

“As the UNGA president, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, opening space for good fait negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that owned by all,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his election as UNGA president.

“Many congratulations to our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khalilur Rahman, on his election as the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly,” the Prime Minister wrote in X.

“This achievement reflects Bangladesh’s increasing contribution and credibility on the global stage. We believe he will proudly represent Bangladesh and forge connectivity, dialogue, and cooperation in addressing multilateral, shared challenges. We wish him every success in this new responsibility,” he said.

UN Secretary General António Guterres also congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his election as UNGA president.

Calling Khalilur Rahman’s win as a landmark victory, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry in a statement said it is a strong testament to the confidence and trust that the international community places in Bangladesh, as well as to the country’s growing diplomatic stature and constructive engagement within the multilateral system.

“This achievement is not only the election of a Bangladeshi candidate to one of the most distinguished positions within the United Nations; it also constitutes a significant international recognition of Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy, international peace and security, sustainable development, and global cooperation,” said the statement.

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"I wish you every success in this important role," he said in a message.

The Maldives President said he is confident that under Dr Khalilur Rahman's able leadership, the General Assembly will continue to serve as a vital platform for all member states.

"This is indeed a proud moment for the people of Bangladesh and the wider region," he said.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"Congratulations to FM Dr Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly," he said.

In a message posted on his verified X account, Jaishankar said he looks forward to working closely with Dr Khalilur to advance their shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation.

China was also among the countries to congratulate Khalilur Rahman.

The Chinese side conveys its warm congratulations on the election of H.E. Dr Khalilur Rahman, Hon’ble Foreign Minister, as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. It reflects the confidence that the international community places in Bangladesh and its constructive role in advancing multilateralism and international cooperation, the country said in a message.

The Chinese side stands ready to support Dr Khalilur Rahman in performing his duties, it said.

Bangladesh last held the prestigious post in 1986-87, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected President of the 41st session of the UN General Assembly. Nearly four decades later, the country regained the position.

Under the UN's established regional rotation system, the President of the 81st session was to be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly will open on September 8, 2026, while the high-level General Debate is scheduled to begin on September 22.