OIC leaders voice support for Bangladesh's UNGA bid, express confidence in political stability
They also commended Bangladesh for its continued commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Leaders attending the executive meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah have expressed confidence that Bangladesh will attain political stability and accelerated development under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and extended full support to Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who is Bangladesh's candidate for the UNGA presidency for the 2026–2027 term, held bilateral meetings with leaders of key delegations on the sidelines of the OIC executive meeting on Palestine. According to a press release by the ministry of foreign affairs today (27 February).
He met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji; Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya; Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; and Gambian Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, who also chaired the executive meeting.
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Palestine has withdrawn its candidature for the presidency of the 81st UNGA session. Following the withdrawal, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus for the position. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Dr Khalilur for the post, the ministry said.
During the meetings, the delegation leaders congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the general elections and on assuming office as prime minister. They also commended Bangladesh for its continued commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Pakistan keen on high-level visit
In his meeting with Khalilur, Pakistan's foreign minister recalled his meeting last year with the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looks forward to visiting Bangladesh to personally greet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The Pakistani foreign minister expressed hope that bilateral relations would steadily advance under the new government in Dhaka.
Turkish support appreciated
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya referred to the longstanding historical ties between the two countries and expressed hope for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
Khalilur thanked Turkey for its continued support for Rohingya refugees. Both sides agreed to work together toward an early resolution of the crisis.
The foreign minister also handed over an invitation to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Bangladesh after Ramadan.
Saudi Arabia eyes stronger engagement
During talks with Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji, the Saudi side expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would visit the Kingdom at a mutually convenient time in the near future. An invitation was also extended to Khalilur to visit Riyadh.
The Saudi minister noted that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 offers opportunities for Bangladesh across various sectors and expressed readiness to work with Dhaka. Khalilur highlighted investment opportunities for Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh, and both sides agreed to work to realise those potentials.
The Saudi minister also sought Bangladesh's support for major reforms aimed at enhancing the performance of the OIC Secretariat.
Unwavering support to Palestinians
In his meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian, Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh's support for the Palestinian cause. He stressed that the only solution to the issue is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Palestinian foreign minister praised Bangladesh for its consistent position and said the Arab-Islamic bloc would support Bangladesh's candidature.
Rohingya issue discussed with Gambia
Khalilur thanked Gambian Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie for his country's continued support for the Rohingya people, including The Gambia's case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide.
He said Bangladesh remains ready to support Gambia's efforts on the issue. Both sides agreed to hold an event on the Rohingya crisis during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in April.
The Gambian foreign minister also expressed full support for Bangladesh's UNGA candidature and said he would work with other African countries in this regard.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Foreign Ministry Secretary Mollah Farhad Hossain and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed accompanied the foreign minister during the meetings.
