Bangladesh seeks more time for sustainable LDC graduation

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Bangladesh has called for an extended preparatory period before graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category, saying additional time would help ensure a smooth and sustainable transition and build a more resilient post-graduation economy.

“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 Humayun Kabir told the annual ministerial meeting of LDC foreign ministers at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He also sought the continued support of the LDC Group as Bangladesh’s request is considered by the United Nations General Assembly.

Kabir said graduating countries need additional time to maintain macroeconomic stability, undertake critical reforms and implement effective transition strategies. Looking ahead to the midterm review of the Doha Programme of Action, he outlined six priorities for LDCs, including reversing the decline in official development assistance, expanding access to 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, while urging greater 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,” Kabir said. He noted that economic growth among LDCs remained below the seven-percent target, with growth projected at 4.6 percent in 2026 and five percent in 2027. The State Minister said Bangladesh’s “3R” strategy — Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction — was aimed at laying the foundation for sustainable development.

He thanked Nepal for its leadership as chair of the LDC Group, expressed solidarity with the country following a recent natural disaster and welcomed The Gambia as the incoming chair. Bangladesh’s call for additional preparation time comes as the country seeks to address the economic and structural challenges associated with its transition out of the LDC category while maintaining long-term development momentum.