Bangladesh's Foreign Minister to Lead UN General Assembly's 81st Session

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, will lead the United Nations General Assembly. He secured the presidency for the 81st session, beginning September 2026. This marks Bangladesh's return to this significant global role after nearly 40 years. India and Pakistan have extended congratulations. Dr. Rahman's leadership will shape discussions on international cooperation and global issues.

Bangladesh has secured one of the most prominent positions in global diplomacy after Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a closely watched contest held at the UN headquarters, Rahman received 99 votes, defeating Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris of the Republic of Cyprus, who secured 91 votes. The new UNGA session will begin on September 8, 2026, with the high-level general debate scheduled to start on September 22.

The victory marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, which will hold the presidency of the world's largest multilateral forum for only the second time in its history.

Bangladesh returns to the UNGA presidency after four decades

The election has special significance for Bangladesh. The country last occupied the prestigious post during the 1986-87 session when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as President of the 41st United Nations General Assembly.

With Rahman's victory, Bangladesh returns to the role after nearly 40 years, placing the South Asian nation at the centre of discussions on global issues, diplomacy and international cooperation.

Who is Khalilur Rahman?

Dr. Khalilur Rahman currently serves as Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and is one of the country's most experienced diplomats. His election to the UNGA presidency reflects the confidence of member states in his diplomatic credentials and his long-standing engagement with multilateral affairs.

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As President of the General Assembly, Rahman will oversee discussions among the UN's 193 member states and help guide deliberations on key international issues during the 81st session.

India congratulates the new UNGA President

India was among the first countries to welcome Rahman's election. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations and expressed hope for continued cooperation.

"Congratulations to Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on being elected as the President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. We look forward to working with them to advance our shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation."

The message highlighted India's willingness to collaborate with the incoming UNGA President on issues of common interest.

Pakistan also extends greetings

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also congratulated Rahman following the election.

He wrote on Ex, "My dear brother, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr. Heartiest congratulations to Khalilur Rahman on being elected as the President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Based on the experience of working closely with him, I am confident that his vast diplomatic experience and his unwavering commitment to multilateralism will guide the General Assembly with the uniqueness of the General Assembly. I look forward to continuing my engagement with them at the United Nations and working together to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance shared global priorities and promote dialogue, peace and sustainable development. I wish him a full success in this important responsibility and endeavour."

What happens next?

Dr. Khalilur Rahman will formally assume his responsibilities when the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly begins in September. His election places Bangladesh in a key leadership role at the UN and gives the country an opportunity to contribute directly to discussions on global governance, development, peace and international cooperation.

For Bangladesh, the victory is not just a diplomatic milestone but also a return to a position it last held four decades ago, underscoring its continued engagement with the international community.