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Bangladesh seeks more time for sustainable LDC graduation
BSS, Dhaka
Published: 25 Sep 2026, 03:54 AM
Photo: MoFA
Bangladesh has sought an extended preparatory period before graduating from least developed country (LDC) status, saying more time would help ensure a smooth, sustainable transition and a resilient economy afterward.
"For Bangladesh, an extended preparatory period will support a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation and a resilient post-graduation economy," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir told the annual ministerial meeting of LDC foreign ministers at UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, according to a message received here.
He sought the LDC Group's continued support as Bangladesh's request is considered by the UN General Assembly.
Humaiun said graduating countries needed additional time to maintain macroeconomic stability, carry out critical reforms and implement smooth transition strategies.
Looking ahead to the mid-term review of the Doha Programme of Action, he set out six priorities for LDCs.
They include reversing the decline in official development assistance, expanding concessional financing, improving market access and securing predictable climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage.
He also called for stronger international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and recover stolen assets, alongside support for industrialisation, technology transfer and digital inclusion.
"Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, debt distress, declining ODA, food and energy insecurity and climate crisis are testing our resilience," Humaiun said.
He noted that LDC growth remained below the 7% target, with projections of 4.6% in 2026 and 5% in 2027.
The state minister said Bangladesh's "3R" strategy - Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction - aimed to lay the foundation for sustainable development.
He thanked Nepal for its leadership as LDC Group chair, expressed solidarity with the country following a recent natural disaster and welcomed The Gambia as incoming chair.