TDS Desk:

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states will campaign globally in support of Bangladesh’s bid for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from Saudi Arabia, he said Bangladesh had secured full and unequivocal backing from the bloc for the election.

“The candidate has been changed following the change in government. Cyprus has been campaigning for a year, while we have less than three months in hand,” he said.

He said detailed discussions were held with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation partners to assess the situation and devise strategies to secure victory.

“They assured not only their votes but also active campaigning in favour of Bangladesh’s candidature worldwide,” he said.

Rahman said Palestine had withdrawn its bid earlier this week, clearing the way for Bangladesh to contest the 2026–2027 term against Cyprus.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir described the response from the bloc as highly encouraging.

“We have received very positive feedback. The visit was fruitful and productive,” he said, adding that a detailed assessment would follow at an appropriate time.

The interim administration had earlier nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as the candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Khalilur Rahman for the post.

The election for the president of the 81st session of the General Assembly is scheduled for 2 June at the United Nations Headquarters in New York under Rule 30 of its Rules of Procedure.

Under the regional rotation system, the president for the 81st session will be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group.

The 81st session will open on 8 September 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on 22 September.

Bangladesh last held the presidency in 1986–87, when then foreign minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury was elected president of the 41st General Assembly.

On regional issues, the foreign minister expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying conflict would benefit no one.

Describing the situation between the two South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member states as “very sad”, he said Bangladesh was approaching the matter cautiously and refraining from public comment.

“We are trying, in our own way, to help our friends understand that such conflicts do not serve anyone’s interests,” he said.

Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s firm and unchanged position on Palestine, saying its stance remained unequivocal.

Leaders at the recent executive meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also expressed confidence that Bangladesh would achieve political stability and faster development under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while reaffirming support for Dhaka’s candidature.