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Global Justice Network is seeking an independent review to establish which appointment mechanism was used in Zaima Rahman’s case.
The official website of the President of the 81st General Assembly lists “Zaima Rahman — Legal Officer, Bangladesh”. (Photo; AFP File)
A rights organisation has called for an independent United Nations review of the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as a Legal Officer in the Office of the President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Global Justice Network has sought an examination of the appointment process, applicable recruitment requirements, potential conflicts of interest, the source of funding for the position and whether safeguards against preferential treatment were properly applied.
The organisation, however, said it has not concluded that corruption, nepotism or any other misconduct took place. It said its concerns stem from the documented relationships surrounding the appointment and that the questions should be resolved through disclosure and an independent examination of relevant records.
UN Confirms Zaima Rahman’s Appointment
The official website of the President of the 81st General Assembly lists “Zaima Rahman — Legal Officer, Bangladesh”. The UN describes her as a barrister and legal and policy professional with experience in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.
Global Justice Network has not alleged that Rahman lacks legal education or professional qualifications. Instead, it has questioned whether the qualifications required for the specific position were established through the applicable selection process and whether political or family relationships played any improper role.
The organisation said the absence of an ordinary public competition would not, by itself, establish a violation, as the UN’s rules allow the President and members of the President’s office to be seconded from their governments. It said the applicable appointment category would first need to be established.
Why The Appointment Has Come Under Scrutiny
The organisation has pointed to the sequence of events involving Bangladesh’s government, the UN General Assembly presidency and Zaima Rahman’s appointment.
Khalilur Rahman became Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister in February 2026. The Bangladesh government subsequently nominated him for President of the UN General Assembly. He was elected by UN Member States on June 2, 2026, and assumed the presidency of the 81st General Assembly on September 8.
According to Global Justice Network, Khalilur Rahman, in his acceptance speech following his election, thanked Prime Minister Tariq Rahman for nominating him and for supporting his campaign “strongly and consistently”.
Zaima Rahman is now listed as a Legal Officer in Khalilur Rahman’s presidential office.
Global Justice Network said the sequence of events — Tarique Rahman’s government appointing Khalilur Rahman as Foreign Minister, Tarique Rahman nominating and supporting Khalilur Rahman’s UNGA candidacy, Khalilur Rahman’s subsequent election by Member States, and Tarique Rahman’s daughter later serving in the President of the General Assembly’s office — does not, by itself, establish a reciprocal arrangement.
The organisation said it has found no public evidence that Tarique Rahman requested a position for his daughter, that Khalilur Rahman offered such a position in exchange for political support, or that recruitment requirements were circumvented.
It has therefore called for the relevant records to be examined rather than relying on speculation.
What UN Ethics Rules Say
The UN General Assembly’s Code of Ethics for the President of the General Assembly requires the President to perform duties impartially, equitably, honestly and in good faith. It also says the President should avoid actions that could create the appearance of using the office or its resources for private gain or giving “unwarranted preferential treatment” to a state, organisation or person.
The code also requires the President to avoid situations involving conflicts between personal or private interests and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations. It calls for transparency in the use of resources available to the President’s office.
Importantly, the code applies to members of the President’s office while they are exercising their functions. At the same time, it explicitly states that the President and members of the office may be seconded from their governments or retain privileges, immunities and diplomatic status granted by a Member State.
Global Justice Network is seeking an independent review to establish which appointment mechanism was used in Zaima Rahman’s case, whether the applicable requirements were met and whether the safeguards outlined in the UN’s ethics framework were followed.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Global Justice Network has called for an independent review due to the sequence of events surrounding her appointment as a Legal Officer in the Office of the President of the 81st UN General Assembly, specifically raising questions about potential conflicts of interest, recruitment requirements, and whether safeguards against preferential treatment were properly applied.
Ask News18About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Deputy News Editor at News18.com, specialising in Indian politics and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking election strategies, he decodes domestic issues for mil…Read More
Dhaka, Bangladesh
September 25, 2026, 9:25 PM IST
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