Khalilur Rahman, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, was elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Photo: AP
Khalilur Rahman, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, was elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Photo: AP

In a secret ballot held on Tuesday in New York, Rahman secured 99 votes, defeating Cypriot diplomat Andreas Kakouris, who received 91 votes.

He will succeed former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock when the new session begins in September.

Rahman became Bangladesh’s foreign minister in February 2026 after serving as national security adviser and overseeing Rohingya refugee affairs under the country’s interim government.

He holds degrees in law and economics from U.S. universities and has participated in trade negotiations with Washington.