PM nominates FM to contest presidency 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as Bangladesh's candidate to contest the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Palestine has withdrawn its candidacy from the election race. 

"The premier has also issued necessary directives to ensure a coordinated diplomatic campaign ahead of the vote," officials said.?

The election for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for the 2026-27 term, to be filled from the Asia-Pacific group, is scheduled to take place in June at the UN headquarters in New York.

Bangladesh last held the prestigious position nearly four decades ago, when the late Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as president of the 41st session of the General Assembly in 1986-87.?
Diplomats believe that a successful bid this time would significantly bolster Bangladesh's standing at the United Nations and enhance its voice on key international issues.

On September 30, 2025, it was reported that Bangladesh has formally withdrawn its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Later, former Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, speaking to media prior to his departure for the UNGA in New York, recalled that Bangladesh had first expressed interest in contesting for the presidency nearly five years ago. The Palestinian candidacy, however, created what the ministry described as "a difficult choice".

After that, on October 12, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officials confirmed to the media saying Bangladesh will contest the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).