Bangladesh's victory in the United Nations Economic and Social Council elections

In the 2025-2027 term of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a very important body of the United Nations, Bangladesh was selected as a candidate for the Asia-Pacific region by getting 181 votes out of 189 votes. The election was held on June 7 in the meeting room of the United Nations General Assembly. 

Apart from Bangladesh from the Asia-Pacific region, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan won the election. 

It should be noted that ECOSOC is one of the main 6 organs of the United Nations and is considered the most important platform of the United Nations on multilateral and development diplomacy issues. 

It should also be noted that within 24 hours of Bangladesh being unanimously elected as the chair of the 'Second Committee' which is responsible for the financial and social infrastructure development of the whole world under the leadership of the United Nations, by being elected as the policy-maker of another important organization like ECOSOC, it is a change towards the visionary and dynamic leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Diplomats say the move is a sign of the UN's unwavering support. 

Bangladesh is achieving unprecedented success in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Vision-2041: Smart Bangladesh development, and the development of Bangladesh, which is considered a role model in terms of social and economic development, is gaining global recognition. Diplomats of various countries at the polling station termed Bangladesh's victory as "part of the global recognition of Bangladesh's development and success". In fact, Bangladesh has earned the trust, confidence, and respect of other countries – in general terms Bangladesh's continued success in global elections – in particular, the success of this very prestigious election – is a recognition of that. 

The election was held by secret ballot under the chairmanship of the President of the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations, Dennis Francis. In the election victory message, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Muhammad Abdul Muhith said, "This victory is a recognition of the continued development of Bangladesh under the dynamic and creative leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and an expression of the international community's trust and faith in Bangladesh in the international arena." Emphasizing Bangladesh's transition from LDC to developing country by 2026, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Muhith said, "Membership of ECOSOC will play a very important role in our free and sustainable transition from LDC to developing country."

ECOSOC membership will strengthen Bangladesh's leadership in various UN forums, commissions, committees, executive boards, and regional platforms such as UN ESCAP and supporting policy formulation and continued efforts to implement the UN 2030 Agenda. Ambassador Muhith mentioned that this victory will help to share the success of Bangladesh's development experience with the world.

Incidentally: Note that Bangladesh is currently serving as the President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UN Ops.

Bangladesh will serve ECOS for a period of three years (2025-2027) from January 2025.