Ansarey defends Zaima Rahman’s UN appointment, cites qualifications

Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has defended Barrister Zaima Rahman’s appointment as a legal officer at the United Nations, saying her academic qualifications and professional experience should be recognised independently of her family background.

In a Facebook post, Ansarey, who is currently attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said public and media interest in Zaima was natural given her family’s political and professional legacy, but warned against allowing that background to overshadow her individual achievements.

Zaima is the daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and physician Zubaida Rahman, the granddaughter of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and the maternal granddaughter of a former chief of naval staff and minister.

Ansarey noted that Zaima holds a degree in Law and Politics from Queen Mary University of London and qualified as a barrister in England and Wales through the Inner Temple.

He said there was nothing unreasonable about a qualified professional seeking a P-3 position at the UN, adding that family background alone should not be treated as proof of either competence or incompetence.

Explaining the staffing structure of the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly, Ansarey said eight of its 40 staff members have their salaries and allowances funded by the UN’s regular budget, four are seconded from other UN entities or departments, 20 are seconded by member states and observers, and eight are funded through the office’s trust fund.

He said the Legal Officer position held by Zaima is at the P-3 level and funded by the UN’s regular budget, rather than being a secondment financed by the Bangladesh government.

Ansarey also referred to the UN’s recruitment procedures and said professional networks should not automatically be viewed negatively, describing them as a potential asset reflecting an individual’s capabilities.

He added that salaries and allowances for UN professional staff are determined by grade and step, with adjustments based on the cost of living at the duty station. Any discussion of remuneration, he said, should consider the relevant grade, location and applicable benefits.

Ansarey also distinguished between the costs associated with the President of the UN General Assembly and those related to official activities. He said the president’s salary, accommodation, car and other benefits are not covered by UN funds and must be borne by the concerned member state, while official travel and activities are financed through the office’s budget and trust fund.

Concluding his post, he said Zaima’s work should be open to scrutiny and discussion, but assessments should give due weight to her qualifications, hard work, abilities and professional identity. He wished her success in her career.