Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman credited Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's 'unwavering and unconditional' support for this historic victory, dedicating his election as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly to the future of Bangladesh.
“This is the victory of Bangladesh. This is the victory of the Prime Minister. If he had not taken this decision and given strong support, we could not have completed the journey of 10 years in 10 weeks,” he told reporters at the Ministry of External Affairs after returning from New York.
He said, “We are dedicating this victory for the future of Bangladesh.”
Dr. elected as the president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Khalilur Rahman indicated that he would be able to simultaneously serve as Foreign Minister and UNGA President, keeping in mind historical precedents and modern technological facilities.
“Today, with seamless communication and modern technology, it is completely possible to perform both duties at the same time. It is quite normal now,” he said in reply to a question.
The foreign minister said, “There is no reason to rush now whether he will resign or suspend his ministry.”
“Should I quit this job? That's the question? Don't be in such a hurry. There are precedents,” he said.
Recalling the previous responsibility of Bangladesh in the same important position four decades ago. Khalilur Rahman said, “Former Foreign Minister and Parliament Speaker Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served simultaneously as Foreign Minister and President of the 41st session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1986-87.”
“I was his personal secretary and worked with him. He fulfilled both duties full-time,” he said.
The comments came amid debate in diplomatic circles over whether he would give up his ministerial duties to focus entirely on UN work in New York.
He also cited the example of former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdullah Shaheed, who served as the President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2021 and served as its Minister at the same time.
“The situation is different,” Khalilur Rahman said about the comparison with the current UN General Assembly president.
“He was the leader of the Green Party and his party lost the election. So he could no longer serve as foreign minister,” he explained.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman got 99 votes and Andreas S. of Cyprus. defeated the Kakoris. He got 91 votes in a secret ballot held at the UN headquarters in New York.
This election marked Bangladesh's return to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly after four decades.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman is the second Bangladeshi to hold this prestigious position. He will preside over the 81st session of the General Assembly for a one-year term starting next September. Khabar bus.
