Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, securing 99 votes against Cyprus candidate Ambassador Andreas S Kakouris's 91. The election took place today at 10:00 am New York time in the UN Headquarters. This marks Bangladesh's return to this esteemed position after 40 years, with the last instance being in 1986-87 when Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury held the presidency. The 81st UNGA session is scheduled to commence on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22.