Khalilur Rahman assumes office as 81st UNGA President

X × Collected Photo Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman took oath as the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday (September 8). He officially assumed the role at 9:00 PM Bangladesh time, succeeding former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Dr Khalilur Rahman will serve as the head of the world body's principal deliberative organ for a one-year term. His inauguration marks the return of the UNGA presidency to Bangladesh after nearly four decades. Former Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was the first Bangladeshi to hold the prestigious post during the 41st UNGA session in 1986-87. Dr Khalilur Rahman was elected to the presidency via secret ballot on 2 June, securing 99 votes to defeat his sole contender, Andreas S Kakouris of Cyprus, who received 91 votes. The presidency was reserved for the Asia-Pacific group this term under the UN's regional rotation system. Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Dr Rahman held a media briefing at 8:45 PM Bangladesh time to outline his vision and priorities for the upcoming session. His inauguration followed the formal closing of the 80th UNGA session. He is scheduled to preside over the first plenary meeting of the 81st UNGA session at 1:00 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday (September 9). -SA