Foreign Minister hints at holding dual roles, cites Humayun Rashid Choudhury example

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has indicated that he may continue to hold both the foreign ministerial portfolio and his upcoming role as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), citing a historical precedent set by former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury.

Speaking to journalists at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday (June 4) after returning home following his election as UNGA president, Dr Rahman said the dual responsibility is a reflection of Bangladesh’s diplomatic success achieved through collective efforts.

Responding to questions on whether he would manage both roles simultaneously, he referred to Humayun Rashid Choudhury, who also served as UNGA president while holding office in Bangladesh decades ago.

“About 40 years ago, former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury was elected President of the UN General Assembly. I served as his private secretary at the time, and he performed both responsibilities full-time,” he said.

He added that advancements in modern communication technology have now made it easier to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Dr Rahman also referred to the current UNGA president, noting that he previously served as Germany’s foreign minister and was unable to continue in government after his party’s electoral defeat.

However, the foreign minister did not make any formal announcement regarding stepping down from his current portfolio, suggesting that he may continue to serve in both capacities.

Bangladesh recently achieved a major diplomatic milestone with Dr Khalilur Rahman’s election as President of the 81st UNGA session, a post widely regarded as significant in global diplomacy.