PTI
United Nations
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was on Tuesday elected as the President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in a closely-contested election.
Rahman and Cyprus’ Special Envoy for Multilateralism Andreas Kakouris were vying to lead the 193-member General Assembly in its 81st session, which will commence in September.
In the closely-contested elections, the Bangladeshi diplomat garnered 99 votes while Kakouris got 91 votes in his favour out of the 190 members present and voting.
To be elected, the candidate required a simple majority of 96 votes.
Rahman takes over the baton from current General Assembly President and former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, only the fifth female president of the organisation in its 80-year history.
The UNGA hall broke into applause as Baerbock, flanked by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, announced the results of the voting. Rahman appeared to raise his hands in prayer after the results were announced.
“Having obtained the required majority,” Rahman “has been elected President of the General Assembly at its 81st session,” Baerbock said, extending congratulations to her successor.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his election as the President of the 81st Session of the UNGA.
“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,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the 81st session was to be elected from the Asia Pacific Group.
The PGA election was held a day before the general assembly will elect five new non-permanent members of the 15-nation Security Council for the 2027-28 term.Â
Rahman was sworn in as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh in February. Previously, he was National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue in the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
