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Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman left Dhaka for New York on Sunday night to assume the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, taking charge at a critical time for the world body, including the upcoming selection of a new UN Secretary-General.
Dr Khalilur departed Dhaka shortly after 8:20pm on an official visit to New York in connection with his UNGA presidency, which will run from August 31 to October 21, a senior official told media.
He is scheduled to transit through Dubai on his way to the United States.
The 81st session of the General Assembly will formally open on September 8, with heads of state and government expected to gather at UN Headquarters in New York later in the month for the annual high-level general debate.
Dr Khalilur is taking over the presidency amid deepening geopolitical divisions and growing concerns over the UN’s ability to address major global crises.
He has pledged to make consensus-building and restoring confidence in the world body the central priorities of his tenure.
“The UN will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” Dr Khalilur told UN member states.
He said growing global challenges were undermining public trust and confidence in the UN’s ability to fulfil its commitments.
“As your president, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said.
Dr Khalilur has also pledged to act as a bridge-builder among member states, engage with all sides and seek common ground at a time of widening international divisions.
He said he would uphold the UN Charter and ensure geographical and gender balance within the Office of the President of the General Assembly, while remaining attentive to the needs and concerns of smaller delegations.
For Bangladesh, the high-profile presidency is also expected to provide an opportunity to highlight national and regional issues, particularly the protracted Rohingya crisis.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam recently said Dhaka intends to use its stronger diplomatic position at the UN to increase international pressure on Myanmar and build momentum for a political and lasting solution to the crisis.
“We are trying to involve the international community more,” she said, referring to a high-level UN session on the Rohingya crisis expected to take place in September, with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expected to participate.
Shama Obaed said Dhaka hopes the high-level discussion will produce clearer international guidelines and generate stronger momentum towards resolving the crisis, which has become increasingly complex amid growing security and other challenges.
Bangladesh has repeatedly called for sustained international engagement to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
Dhaka has also sought greater international support to address the humanitarian, political and security dimensions of the crisis, which has placed a prolonged burden on Bangladesh and complicated regional stability.
