Bangladesh celebrates UNGA presidency win under Tarique Rahman
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.
