Bangladesh has secured one of the most prominent positions within the United Nations system, with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The election was held on Tuesday at the UN Headquarters in New York, where member states cast their votes through a secret ballot. Khalilur Rahman emerged victorious over Cyprus’ candidate, Ambassador Andreas S Kakouris, receiving 99 votes against 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast.
The result marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, which returns to the presidency of the UN General Assembly nearly four decades after the country last held the office. Bangladesh previously occupied the position during the 41st session of the General Assembly in 198--87, when Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury served as president.
The presidency rotates annually among the UN’s five regional groups, and the post for the 81st session was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the established rotation system. Member states elect the president directly, with each country holding one vote.
Dr Khalilur Rahman’s election follows an active diplomatic campaign by Bangladesh to secure the influential role. His Cypriot rival, Ambassador Andreas S Kakouris, brought extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy but fell short in the closely contested race.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to open on 8 September 2026, while the high-level General Debate will begin on 22 September. As president, Khalilur Rahman will oversee the work of the Assembly, facilitate negotiations among member states, and guide discussions on major global issues throughout the session.
The election is being viewed as a major diplomatic success for Bangladesh, strengthening the country’s visibility and influence within the United Nations at a time of growing global challenges and multilateral engagement.
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