Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman announced today that member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will vigorously promote Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) globally.
Speaking to media at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early on Saturday after returning from Saudi Arabia, he stated that OIC members had fully and unequivocally supported Bangladesh’s request.
“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 said.
Dr Rahman said extensive discussions were held with OIC partners to assess the overall situation and devise strategies to secure Bangladesh’s victory in the election.
“We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said, adding that OIC countries assured not only their votes but also active campaigning in favour of Dhaka’s candidature across the world.
He noted that as expected, Palestine had withdrawn its candidacy a few days ago, making it possible for Bangladesh to run against Cyprus in the 2026–2027 term.
Humayun Kabir, the prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser, said the OIC countries’ response was quite positive.
“We have received very positive feedback. 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.
Former Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain was formerly the temporary government’s choice for Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Dr. Rahman for the post after the government changed.
In compliance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure, the election for the President of the 81st session of the UNGA is set for June 2 at UN Headquarters in New York. The Asia-Pacific Group will elect the president for the 81st session under the existing regional rotation arrangement.
The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, while the high-level General Debate will begin on September 22.
When Humayun Rashid Chowdhury, the country’s foreign minister at the time, was chosen president of the 41st General Assembly in 1986–87, Bangladesh last held the post.
Regarding regional matters, the foreign minister said that war would not help anyone and voiced concern about the growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He called the current state of affairs between the two SAARC members “very sad” and stated that Bangladesh is taking a careful approach to the issue and will not be making any public comments at this time.
“We are trying, in our own way, to help our friends understand that such conflicts do not serve anyone’s interests,” he said.
Dr Rahman also reiterated Bangladesh’s firm and unchanged position on Palestine, stating that the country’s stance on the Palestinian issue remains unequivocal.
Leaders attending the recent OIC executive meeting expressed confidence that Bangladesh would achieve political stability and accelerated development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while reiterating their full support for Dhaka’s UNGA candidature.
