Bangladesh has entered the race for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term after Palestine withdrew its candidacy. The election is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN headquarters in New York. Bangladesh’s interim government initially nominated former foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, but later replaced him with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Cyprus has emerged as Bangladesh’s rival candidate for the position.

According to the established regional rotation policy, the presidency for this term will be selected from the Asia-Pacific Group of States. The 81st UNGA session will begin in September 2026, and before that, current UNGA President Annalena Baerbock will hold informal consultations with candidates in May 2026.

Bangladesh last held this prestigious position during the 1986–1987 term, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as president of the 41st session. The country now hopes to regain the post after nearly four decades.