Bangladesh seeks more time for smooth LDC graduation

Bangladesh has requested additional preparatory time from the United Nations to ensure a smooth and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category. Speaking at the annual meeting of LDC Foreign Ministers at the UN headquarters in New York, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir emphasized that extra time is necessary to make the post-graduation national economy more resilient and capable.

The request is currently under consideration by the UN General Assembly. Minister Kabir sought continued support from other LDC group member states, noting that extended preparation is vital for maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing essential reforms, and executing effective transition strategies.

Highlighting challenges such as geopolitical tensions, debt pressure, and climate crises, the Minister outlined six key priorities for LDCs: reversing the decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA), increasing access to low-interest loans, improving international market access, securing predictable climate finance, recovering laundered assets, and enhancing industrialization and digital inclusion.