Khalilur Rahman elected President of UN General Assembly

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has been elected president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), defeating Cyprus's candidate in a closely contested vote at UN headquarters in New York.

Dr. Rahman secured 99 votes, while Cyprus's candidate, Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris, received 91 votes in the election held on Tuesday. A total of 190 of the UN's 193 member states cast ballots.

Under the UN's regional rotation system, the presidency for the 81st session was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group, with Bangladesh and Cyprus contesting the post.

Dr. Rahman will assume office in September for a one-year term, succeeding Annalena Baerbock.

The victory marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, which will lead the world's largest multilateral forum for the first time in four decades.

The last Bangladeshi to hold the position was Humayun Rashid Choudhury, who presided over the 41st session of the General Assembly in 1986.

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Diplomatic observers say the role carries particular importance at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and climate-related challenges, with the General Assembly president responsible for guiding discussions among member states and advancing key global priorities.