Zaima becomes Khalilur’s ‘legal officer’ at UN

Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been appointed as the “legal officer” of UN General Assembly President and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.

The bdnews24 first reported Zaima’s appointment, citing UN officials.

Khalilur’s office at UN consists of 40 officials, six of whom are Bangladeshis including Zaima.

Bangladeshi diplomat Md Abdul Alim will serve as deputy chief of the office. Moazzem Hossain will serve as an advisor and administrative assistant, while Mafizul Islam will be senior advisor on information, artificial intelligence and strategic foresight.

Zakir Ahmed will serve as senior advisor on sustainable development and climate change, and Md Rafiqul Alam Molla will be senior advisor on countries with special needs.

Khalilur assumed the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly on 8 September.

Under his presidency, Tarique is scheduled to deliver his first address as Bangladesh prime minister at the 81st UN General Assembly early Friday.

UN officials told bdnews24 that the president of the General Assembly is not a direct UN employee and does not receive a regular salary from the organisation.

Expenses such as the president’s salary, allowances, and housing or rent are typically borne by their home country or government. In some cases, certain expenses are also covered by the UN’s regular budget and trust funds.