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Zaima Rahman’s UN legal officer role draws attention

Published : Sunday, 27 September, 2026 at 9:45 AM

Observer Online Report

The appointment of Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as a legal officer at the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly has sparked discussion in Bangladesh, particularly over the nature and scope of her role.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly recently began, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the General Assembly.

According to information published on the UN website, Zaima Rahman will work as a Legal Officer under the Executive Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA). Her name and designation also appear on the staff list published on the PGA office’s website.

The office currently has 40 staff members from 29 countries and representing six languages. Besides Zaima, five other Bangladeshis are listed among its personnel.

What does a General Assembly legal officer do?

The legal officer supporting the President of the General Assembly is not a member of the UN’s main Office of Legal Affairs. Rather, the officer provides legal advice directly to the president and supports the functioning of the president’s office.

Former diplomats and international relations analysts say the legal officer advises the president on procedural and legal questions that arise during General Assembly proceedings.

This can include advising on how resolutions should be introduced, how the president should rule on a point of order raised by a member state, and whether proposed amendments to a resolution are procedurally admissible.

The officer may also advise on whether resolutions or proposals before the General Assembly are consistent with existing rules, UN procedures and relevant legal principles, as well as whether certain budget-related proposals require approval from another UN body.

The role can become particularly significant when the General Assembly discusses sensitive international issues, including conflicts and questions involving Palestine or Ukraine. In such cases, the legal officer can provide the president with relevant provisions of the UN Charter, rules of procedure and previous precedents to support procedural rulings.

Former ambassador and international affairs analyst Munshi Faiz Ahmed said Zaima Rahman’s responsibility would be to provide legal support on matters arising from Khalilur Rahman’s duties as president of the General Assembly.

The role also involves administrative and coordination responsibilities, including liaising with the UN’s Office of Legal Affairs and other legal bodies. The legal officer may also assist in preparing remarks or statements by the president on international agreements or legal matters.

How are such appointments made?

According to information on the PGA office’s website, the office has a 40-member team drawn from 29 countries. The staff oversee and support the various functions of the president’s office.

The other Bangladeshi members listed are diplomat Md Abdul Alim, administrative officer Moazzem Hossain, Mofizul Islam, Zakir Ahmed and Md Rafiqul Alam Molla. Zaima Rahman has now joined the team as a legal officer.

Munshi Faiz Ahmed said the President of the General Assembly can appoint a number of people to the office within the scope of the president’s authority. Some members may be drawn from among existing UN staff, while others can be appointed according to the president’s requirements, subject to relevant educational and professional standards.

Experts say legal officers in such positions are generally expected to have experience in international law, often with backgrounds in law, foreign ministries or international organisations.

Zaima Rahman’s legal background

The PGA office’s website describes Zaima Rahman as a barrister and law and policy specialist with professional experience in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.

She holds an LLB in Law and Politics from Queen Mary University of London and has received a qualification from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, one of England and Wales’ four Inns of Court.

The website also states that she is a practising advocate in Bangladesh.

Her professional experience includes work in housing, public welfare and employment law in the UK, as well as legal advisory and public affairs work in the health sector. She has also undertaken pro bono work relating to social welfare and education law.

Her areas of interest reportedly include good governance, inclusive public policy, digital security, access to justice, education and gender equality.

Munshi Faiz Ahmed said Zaima Rahman possesses the qualifications required for the position and that the role could provide her with an opportunity to gain experience working in an international setting.

He noted that the legal officer’s role is to assist the General Assembly president on the legal aspects of the president’s responsibilities and that the work is not necessarily performed by the officer alone, as a supporting team may also be involved.