by G M Forhadul Mozumdar (Dhaka Bureau)
The bilateral contest between Bangladesh and Cyprus has intensified ahead of the election for the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a central hub of global diplomacy. Ahead of the final vote scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, the heavyweight candidates from both nations faced off in a formal ‘examination’ on May 13.
Participating in an informal interactive dialogue in the presence of representatives from UN member states, both candidates presented their respective electoral manifestos and future visions (Vision Statements).
Manifesto Duel and Global Agendas
During the event, Bangladesh’s candidate, current Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and Cyprus’s candidate, Andreas S. Kakouris, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined their plans before world leaders. They discussed in detail the priorities they would set if elected UNGA President and their roles in addressing international crises. Following their presentations, they faced complex questions and counter-questions from representatives of member states.
In his written address, Dr. Khalilur Rahman proposed six specific plans on the global stage aimed at ensuring world peace, global security, and sustainable development.
Bangladesh’s ‘Go-Slow’ Policy and Palestine’s Withdrawal
According to the regional rotation system, the presidency of the 81st session is slated for the Asia-Pacific Group. Initially, Palestine’s representative was also active in the race alongside Bangladesh and Cyprus. Amidst the dynamics of this three-way contest, Bangladesh had adopted a cautious, ‘go-slow’ diplomatic strategy.
However, Palestine recently withdrew its candidacy from the election, turning the equation into a direct bilateral contest. Following Palestine’s departure, Bangladesh has entered the diplomatic campaign with full force.
Political Transition and Candidate Shifts
The shifting internal politics of Bangladesh and the subsequent changes in its candidacy throughout this long campaign have also caught the attention of the international community. Bangladesh initially expressed interest in the position in 2020 under the then Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen, officially notifying the UN of its candidacy for 2026.
Later, during the interim government, former Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain was nominated. However, following the national elections held in Bangladesh last February, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Upon forming the new government, changes were made to Bangladesh’s candidate list, and the current Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, was freshly nominated.
The ‘Full-Time President’ Debate and Bangladesh’s Strategy
A specific pledge made by Dr. Khalilur Rahman during the campaign has sparked considerable discussion and curiosity in both domestic and international diplomatic circles. He announced that, if elected, he would serve on the global stage as a ‘full-time president’ for all.
Given that Dr. Rahman currently holds a highly crucial state responsibility as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, discussions are ongoing as to whether he will resign from his ministerial post if elected, or if this is a strategic diplomatic maneuver.
According to diplomatic experts, UN member states generally expect the UNGA President to dedicate their full time to the role. Cyprus, Bangladesh’s sole opponent, is undoubtedly trying to project Dr. Rahman’s ‘dual responsibility’ in a negative light. To counter this negative campaigning, Dr. Rahman has made this strong, strategic commitment to serve as a ‘full-time president.’
Notably, Abdulla Shahid, the former Foreign Minister of the Maldives, had previously balanced both roles successfully, simultaneously serving as his country’s foreign minister and the President of the 76th UNGA Session.
Historic Milestone and Horizons of Opportunity
Comprising 193 member states, the UN General Assembly is the largest multilateral platform for global policymaking. Winning this seat would represent a monumental historic and diplomatic milestone for Bangladesh.
A scene from the United Nations General Assembly session. Photo- Collected.
Previously, in 1986, Bangladesh’s former Foreign Minister and Speaker of the National Parliament, Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, brought glory to the nation by being elected President of the 41st UNGA Session. If Dr. Khalilur Rahman wins the upcoming election on June 2, he will become the second Bangladeshi to achieve this distinction after a gap of 40 years.
Senior officials at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong optimism, noting that Bangladesh has carried out an extensive campaign across the globe in a very short period and has secured the backing of key global stakeholders, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Brazil. Bangladesh remains determined to utilize the remaining time to its maximum potential to secure this historic diplomatic victory.
The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly is officially scheduled to commence on September 8, with the high-level General Debate kicking off on September 22, featuring addresses by world leaders. The world now watches the ballot battle on June 2 to see into whose hands the key to this top global post will fall- Bangladesh or Cyprus?
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The Author:
G M Forhadul Mozumdar: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
