Bangladesh Seeks Three-Year Extension for LDC Graduation to Bolster Economic Stability

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Bangladesh has formally requested a three-year extension to its graduation transition period from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, seeking to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and stable economic shift. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasized that the appeal is not intended to delay the country’s graduation, but rather to bolster the structural foundations necessary for a successful transition.

The Ministry of Commerce confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the request was presented during separate meetings at the United Nations headquarters. Minister Muktadir briefed ECOSOC President and Nepalese Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, alongside ECOSOC Vice-President and Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama, on the nation’s position.

Addressing the international representatives, the Minister noted that Bangladesh has been unable to fully leverage the current preparatory period due to a confluence of global and domestic challenges. These factors include ongoing political and economic transitions, global market uncertainty, energy shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the multifaceted impacts of climate change.

The government argued that an additional three-year window would provide essential space to consolidate structural reforms, enhance governance, and restore macroeconomic stability. Furthermore, this extended timeframe would facilitate the strengthening of the financial sector, the creation of a more investment-friendly climate, and the development of critical infrastructure, ensuring the country remains well-positioned for its post-LDC status.

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In response, the ECOSOC leadership acknowledged the significant global headwinds facing developing nations on the path to graduation. Both President Thapa and Vice-President Bendjama expressed a commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to facilitate a seamless transition.

The Bangladeshi delegation participating in the discussions included Prime Minister’s Advisor for Finance and Planning Raashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Planning Junaid Saki, Economic Relations Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury. Representatives from the private sector, including Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Syed Nasim Manzur and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, were also in attendance.