Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said the OIC will actively campaign in support of Bangladesh’s bid for a seat at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will mount a global campaign to back Bangladesh’s bid for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said today.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Saturday after returning from Saudi Arabia, he said Bangladesh has secured full and unequivocal support from OIC member states for its candidature.

“The candidate has changed following the change in government. One of our main challenges is that Cyprus has been campaigning throughout the year, while we have less than three months in hand,” he said.

Dr Rahman noted that extensive consultations were held with OIC partners to review the overall landscape and craft strategies to ensure Bangladesh’s success in the election. “We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said, adding that OIC countries pledged not only their votes but also active global lobbying in favour of Dhaka’s bid.

He added that Palestine withdrew its candidature a few days ago as expected, paving 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 OIC nations as highly encouraging. “We have received very positive feedback. A detailed assessment will be made at the appropriate time, but the support so far has been strong. The visit was fruitful and productive,” he said.

Earlier, the interim government had nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as Bangladesh’s candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman put forward Dr Rahman for the post.

The election for the president of the 81st UNGA session is scheduled for June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. Under the established regional rotation system, the president for the 81st session will be chosen from the Asia-Pacific Group.

The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate set to begin on September 22.

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

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

Describing the situation between the two SAARC member states as “very sad,” he said Bangladesh is handling the issue cautiously and refraining from making public statements for now. “We are trying, in our own way, to help our friends understand that such conflicts do not serve anyone’s interests,” he said.

Dr Rahman also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm and consistent position on Palestine, saying the country’s stance on the Palestinian issue remains unequivocal.

Leaders at the recent OIC executive meeting expressed confidence that Bangladesh would attain political stability and accelerated development under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, while reiterating their full backing for Dhaka’s UNGA bid.