United News of Bangladesh

Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has extended his warmest congratulations to the government of Bangladesh and Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. In a message, the Secretary-General extended his best wishes to Khalilur Rahman for success in the performance of his duties, expressing his confidence that his leadership of the General Assembly would contribute to strengthening multilateralism and addressing common global challenges, owing to his diplomatic acumen and experience, and to the constructive role played by the People's Republic of Bangladesh on the international stage and within the UN and the OIC. The Secretary-General also affirmed the OIC's commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination with the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly in the promotion of peace, security, and development worldwide. The 81st session of the General Assembly will open on September 8, with world leaders scheduled to gather at UN Headquarters in New York two weeks later for the annual high-level debate. In a secret-ballot vote, Khalilur Rahman defeated Cyprus’ Ambassador Andreas Kakouris 99-91, with three countries not voting.  He will succeed Germany’s former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, whose one-year term ends in September.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session Dr Khalilur Rahman has said he is taking on the role “with humility and respect” at a moment when confidence in the international system is under strain. His Presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN calendar - the selection of Secretary-General António Guterres’s successor, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The 81st session will open on September 8, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters, in New York. “The UN will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” the Foreign Minister told the UN Member States. Taken together, Dr Khalilur said, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises.” The President-elect said he intends to act as a bridge-builder, promising to engage all Member States and seek common ground despite growing divisions. “As your president, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said. Dr Khalilur also pledged to uphold the UN Charter, maintain geographical and gender balance within his office and support the needs of smaller delegations. He was elected UNGA President on Tuesday after defeating Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus in a closely contested vote, positioning himself to steer the world body through a pivotal year marked by intensifying global crises, UN reform efforts and major leadership transitions. The international community is pouring in congratulatory messages for Dr Khalilur, following his election as the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This milestone is being widely celebrated as a reflection of Bangladesh's growing global stature and Dr Rahman’s distinguished diplomatic career, an official told UNB. In a secret-ballot election, Dr Khalilur secured 99 votes to Kakouris’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions. The Presidency rotates among the UN’s five regional groups, and the 81st session falls to the Asia-Pacific group. Dr Rahman will serve a one-year term starting on September 8. Dr Khalilur brings more than four decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience to the role. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister since February, he previously served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya Issue during the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday sought Ireland’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the Presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (2026–27). The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of peace, stability, and enhanced international cooperation. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi) Kevin Kelly paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He warmly congratulated the State Minister on her assumption of office and expressed confidence in further strengthening Bangladesh-Ireland relations under the present government. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the mutually beneficial partnership, exploring avenues for cooperation in trade and commerce, development partnership, education, sports and culture, as well as consular and migration matters. They also discussed strengthening collaboration in both bilateral and multilateral settings, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will attend the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Lancaster House in London on Sunday, an event that is also being viewed as an opportunity for Bangladesh to seek broader support for its candidature for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir will accompany the foreign minister during the five-day official visit to London, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Saturday. During the visit, the foreign minister and the adviser are expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFAMM with their counterparts from participating countries. Bangladesh has been actively engaging with different countries to garner support for its candidature and has already secured broad backing from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several other partners beyond the bloc, a diplomatic source told UNB. "Bangladesh will definitely seize the opportunity in London," he said. The CFAMM will begin with a Retreat from 10:00-13:00 and a formal meeting from 14:00-16:00 on Sunday (London time). Representing the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the Minister of Finance of the Independent State of Samoa, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, will welcome Foreign Affairs Ministers to the retreat and offer remarks. Dhaka sees messages from Myanmar’s FM, AA chief positively The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, will then offer her remarks. A total of 56 independent countries make up the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and 33 of the world’s 42 small states are Commonwealth members. This CFAMM is significant as it will signal the start of Commonwealth Day activities, marked every year on the second Monday in March.  This 26th meeting will bring together Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers to address the role of the Commonwealth in a fast-changing international landscape; and explore impactful and transformative solutions to unlock opportunities together for shared prosperity across the Commonwealth, in the face of a fractured global climate. It is the first time that Foreign Ministers will come together within the platform of an executive retreat, which will provide a plan of action for a bold, practical Commonwealth, according to the Commonwealth headquarters. This will be Secretary-General Botchwey’s second meeting with Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers at CFAMM. Ministers will shape policy priorities leading up to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2026. Antigua and Barbuda will provide updates on the CHOGM preparations; consider reform proposals; and discuss Member Country situations. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is meeting at Marlborough House, London today (Saturday) in advance of the 26th CFAMM. Together, these meetings will provide a vital platform for Ministers to reflect on how Commonwealth countries and the Secretariat can work together to defend multilateralism in a challenging global context, harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage driving global innovation, trade and investment – as the impetus for a more prosperous Commonwealth. Palestine has recently withdrawn its candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman for the position. The election of the President of the United Nations General Assembly for the eighty first session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall, UNHQs, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. The President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock will convene the informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986 (1986-87), when the then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected as President of the 41st General Assembly. Forty years later, Bangladesh is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22, 2026. Commonwealth Day Meanwhile, Commonwealth Day 2026 will be celebrated across the Commonwealth on Monday. Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. It is the highlight of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the Commonwealth – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events. This year's theme 'Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth,' highlights how the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth can rally together to face today’s challenges and unlock opportunities that can deliver shared and lasting prosperity for all who live in the  Commonwealth - from the smallest, most remote communities to the biggest cities. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2026 aligns with the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) theme, ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.’ CHOGM 2026 will take place in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November. The Foreign Minister and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs are expected to return home on March 12.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Saturday said Bangladesh enjoys strong backing from member states of the OIC but faces a challenge due to the limited time available to campaign for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “The candidate has been changed following the change in government. One of our key challenges is that Cyprus has been campaigning throughout the year, whereas we have barely three months, or even less in hand,” he told reporters at Dhaka airport explaining the ground behind the change in Bangladesh’s candidature. Dr Khalilur, who returned from Saudi Arabia early Saturday, said discussions were held with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) partners to assess the situation and strategise ways to secure Bangladesh’s victory.  “We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh’s friends within the OIC have assured active campaigning in favour of Dhaka’s candidature. He said as anticipated, Palestine withdrew its candidature a few days ago. With Palestine stepping aside, Bangladesh will now contest the 2026–2027 term against Cyprus. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, described the feedback from OIC countries as highly encouraging and strong. “We have received very positive responses. We will conduct a detailed assessment at an appropriate stage, but the support so far has been strong. The visit was both fruitful and productive,” he said. Earlier, the interim government had nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as Bangladesh’s candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Dr Khalilur  Rahman for the position. Bangladesh had initially floated its candidature ahead of Palestine. The election for the President of the 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. Under the established regional rotation system, the President for the 81st session will be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group. The President of the 80th session of the UNGA, Annalena Baerbock, will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986–87, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected President of the 41st General Assembly. Four decades later, the country is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on September 22. Leaders attending the recent executive meeting of the OIC expressed confidence that Bangladesh will swiftly achieve political stability and accelerated development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They also reiterated their full support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UNGA.