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Amid examples of officials continuing their government duties while serving as the chief of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), there are also instances of individuals serving as the global panel’s full-time president.
However, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has already promised to serve full-time if he gets the position, bdnews24.com reports.
Khalilur was elected president of the 81st session of the UNGA in an election held on Tuesday night at the UN Headquarters in New York.
With Khalilur's win, Bangladesh secured its second UNGA presidency after Humayun Rashid Choudhury in 1986.
During an informal exchange at UN headquarters on May 13, Khalilur said: “If elected, I’ll serve as the president of all and a full-time one.”
Pledging to uphold the UN Charter, he said: “I’ll involve all member states and pay special attention to small delegations.”
“I’ll preside in full compliance with the code of conduct for the president. I’ll not let my personal views interfere with the work of the UNGA and will seek unity, not ignoring differences,” Khalilur added.
At that time, he also hinted at taking a year off from the foreign ministry's duties to work full-time at the UNGA.
Clarifying that he would not resign, the foreign minister said: “My prime minister [Tarique Rahman] has told me in clear terms that he will give me one year to fulfill my duties full-time at the UNGA [if elected].
“Resignation is not the only option. I can also take leave."
Khalilur announced his plan to advance the global body's work on six pillars, centered on restoring the world's trust in the UN.
He said, "I’m able, willing and ready to serve as your president from day one. I seek your trust and support."
Meanwhile, the government has not announced whether Khalilur hold the foreign ministry portfolio as of Monday, when its state minister Shama Obaed Islam said the premier will take the decision.
“The foreign minister will be in charge of his ministry. There is no rule here that says he cannot serve as foreign minister [during the UNGA role].”
On the example of Humayun Rashid quitting the government while serving as the UNGA president, Shama said: "There is no obligation here.
“It is completely a personal choice and the prime minister's decision," she said.