State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam -File photo

DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed 
Islam today described Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's election as 
President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 
as a victory for Bangladesh's 170 million people.

"I believe this victory belongs to the 170 million people of Bangladesh under 
the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, as it has secured a highly 
prestigious position for Bangladesh on the global stage and in the 
international community," she said while speaking to reporters at the foreign 
ministry here this afternoon. 

Shama Obaed said the landmark achievement reflected Bangladesh's growing 
international stature under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Bangladesh had also achieved significant successes at the United Nations 
during the tenure of BNP founder and former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, 
who pursued a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy based on maintaining 
relations with all countries, she said.

The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has advanced that 
policy further since assuming office.

Shama attributed Khalilur Rahman's victory to the Prime Minister's strong 
leadership as well as the foreign minister's qualifications, competence, 
capability and broad acceptability among UN member states.

She thanked all those involved in the successful three-month campaign, 
including officials and staff of Bangladesh's 81 missions abroad.

On Tuesday, Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the 
UN General Assembly after defeating Cyprus' Special Envoy for Multilateralism 
Andreas S. Kakouris in a secret ballot held at the UN Headquarters in New 
York.

Of the 190 votes cast, Khalilur Rahman secured 99 votes against Kakouris' 91.

Responding to questions about Khalilur Rahman's future role as foreign 
minister, Shama said any decision on the matter rests entirely with Prime 
Minister Tarique Rahman.

"It is entirely the Prime Minister's decision. I believe the matter will be 
decided through discussions between the Prime Minister and the Foreign 
Minister," she added.

She noted that if Khalilur Rahman dedicates himself fully to his 
responsibilities as President of the General Assembly, he would need to spend 
considerable time in New York, though that does not necessarily prevent him 
from continuing as foreign minister.

Asked about speculation that he may remain in New York for a year and that an 
acting foreign minister could be appointed, Shama said she was unaware of any 
such decision.

"Under the Prime Minister's strong leadership, we achieved this victory. He 
will decide how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will operate," she said.

When asked whether she could be assigned additional responsibilities, the 
state minister replied, "I do not know anything about that. I am happy 
serving as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs."

The election marks Bangladesh's return to the presidency of the UN General 
Assembly after four decades.