UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has termed Bangladesh a friend of the UN and lauded Bangladesh's socio-economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said Bangladesh is a valued member of the UN and is making an important contribution to the work of the global body, reports UNB.

The UN chief made the remarks when Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Muhammad Abdul Muhith presented his credentials to the UN chief in the UN headquarters on Tuesday.

Prior to this on Thursday, 28th of July he joined the Mission.

Abdul Muhith is the 16th Permanent Representative (PR) of Bangladesh to the UN since 1974 when Bangladesh became the member of the apex body under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Ambassador Muhith was Bangladesh Ambassador to Austria prior to this appointment.

Ambassador Muhith conveyed the greetings from the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the UN Secretary General.

He reiterated Bangladesh's continued commitment and support to the UN and the Secretary General's various initiatives.

Ambassador Muhith, a career diplomat, joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1993.

During his career in Bangladesh Foreign Service, he served important position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, and in Bangladesh Mission/Embassies in New York, Kuwait, Rome, Doha, Washington D.C., Copenhagen and Vienna.

Earlier, he severed as Ambassador in Denmark and Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington D.C.

In the credential presentation ceremony, among others, Deputy PR Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain, Chef de Cabinet of the UNSG Courtenay Rattray, and Assistant Sceretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Mary Spehar were present.