New York, 07 June 2024:  Bangladesh was elected as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of  the principal organs of the United Nations, for the term 2025-2027 from the Asia-Pacific region; by securing  181 votes out of 189 votes. The election was held at the UN General Assembly Hall. Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka  and Uzbekistan were the other countries elected from the same region. ECOSOC is also the most important  platform of the UN system and for that matter multilateral diplomacy, when it comes to development and  social issues.  Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is making  remarkable progress towards achieving Agenda 2030 and the ‘Vision 2041: Transforming Bangladesh into a  Smart Nation.’ Widely regarded as a ‘role model’ for socio-economic development, Bangladesh’s  advancements have earned international recognition.

Diplomats from various countries at the election venue  commented, “This victory is a global acknowledgment of Bangladesh's development success.” Indeed,  Bangladesh’s ongoing successes in international elections in general, and this highly prestigious election in  particular, manifest the confidence, trust and appreciation that our nation is receiving from the international  community. Only yesterday, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of  Bangladesh to the United Nations was elected as the Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second  Committee) of the United Nations General Assembly for its 79th Session.  The election was conducted under the Presidency of Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th  United Nations General Assembly, through a secret ballot.

“This is a recognition of Bangladesh’s unique  success in achieving sustainable development through innovative means under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime  Minister Sheikh Hasina; and a demonstration of the trust and confidence that Bangladesh enjoys in the  international arena,” said the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad A.  Muhith, while speaking after the election. Referring to Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the Least  Developed Country (LDC) status to a developing country in 2026, Ambassador Muhith added, “Membership  in ECOSOC will be critical for our smooth and sustainable graduation and expedite our progress towards  implementing Agenda 2030.”

 Membership in ECOSOC will enable Bangladesh to enhance its visibility and efforts, in implementing  Agenda 2030 through policy formulation and active participation in various Forums, Commissions,  Committees, Executive Boards, and regional platforms like the UN-ESCAP. This would also enable us to share  our best developmental practices with the rest of the world, mentioned the Ambassador.   It may be mentioned that Bangladesh is the current President of the Executive Board of the  UNDP/UNFPS/UNOPS.  Bangladesh will commence its ECOSOC membership from January 2025.