Titumir seeks stronger UN support for smooth LDC graduation

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has called for stronger United Nations support to ensure Bangladesh's smooth and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance the country's reform agenda.

During separate meetings at the UN Headquarters, Titumir met UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja.

He reiterated Bangladesh's request for a three-year extension of the LDC graduation preparatory period to help maintain macroeconomic stability, effectively implement the Smooth Transition Strategy and ensure a sustainable and irreversible graduation from the LDC category.

The adviser said the government's democratic mandate had strengthened its reform agenda, with a focus on institutional reform, accountable governance and people-centred development.

He also highlighted the government's 3R Strategy -- Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction for Acceleration -- as its roadmap for restoring economic stability and advancing long-term development.

Li Junhua reaffirmed the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN DESA) support for Bangladesh's development journey, pledged cooperation on the LDC transition process and praised the government's Universal Social Security Protection System.

Alisjahbana reaffirmed UNESCAP's support for Bangladesh's LDC transition, regional connectivity and climate resilience.

Wignaraja reiterated UNDP's commitment to supporting democratic governance, institutional reforms and Bangladesh's sustainable development priorities.