Foreign Minister Md Khalilur Rahman has said he will continue to serve as Bangladesh’s foreign minister while also fulfilling his responsibilities as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Rahman cited the precedent set by former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury, who simultaneously served as Bangladesh’s foreign minister and president of the UN General Assembly four decades ago.
“Forty years ago, Humayun Rashid Choudhury successfully served as both foreign minister of Bangladesh and president of the UN General Assembly at a time when there was no internet,” he said.
“Today, the environment is very different. Modern communication technologies make coordination and work across multiple responsibilities far more seamless than before,” he added.
Rahman also credited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with playing a decisive role in Bangladesh’s successful campaign for the UN post.
“The prime minister made the critical decision that set the transformation in motion and provided firm and constant support throughout the process,” he said.
“Without his persistent and resolute backing, the team would not have been able to complete a journey in 10 weeks that would normally take 10 years.”
On Tuesday, Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, securing 99 votes in a closely contested election against Cyprus’s candidate, Andreas S Kakouris, who received 91 votes.
He will preside over the 81st session of the General Assembly, which begins in September, serving a one-year term as the chief facilitator of the United Nations’ most representative body.
However, during an informal debate at the United Nations on 13 May, the Foreign Minister said he would take a one-year leave from the government if elected President of the UNGA.
Responding to the question, Khalilur Rahman said: “Will I resign? No. My prime minister has made it very clear that I will be released for one year to take up the position as a full-time responsibility. Resignation is not the only option. I can go on leave.”
