US, Sept. 11 -- Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman officially assumed the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly this week, taking charge of its 81st session. His appointment marks Bangladesh's return to the prestigious position after a gap of nearly four decades. Dr Rahman secured the presidency in the June 2 election with 99 votes, defeating Cyprus's nominee, Andreas S Kakouris.

A seasoned diplomat with more than 20 years of experience working with the United Nations in Geneva and New York, Rahman will oversee the Assembly's proceedings throughout the session.

He is also scheduled to chair the high-level general debate beginning on September 22, an important segment of the UN calendar that is expected to draw...