LDC Graduation of Bangladesh: Between Readiness and Reality

Policymakers, Experts and Stakeholders Urge Immediate Deferral Request for Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation, Citing Need for Credible Assessment and Public Mandate.

DHAKA, Bangladesh - April 23, 2025 – A diverse coalition of national and international stakeholders, convened today by the Change Initiative think tank, strongly urged the Government of Bangladesh to submit a request for deferral of the country's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, currently scheduled on 24 November 2026. The case of request should be prepared considering legitimacy of evidence submitted, weak institutions and potential exacerbation of poverty amid LDC graduation. The call emerged from a high-level roundtable, "Bangladesh's LDC Graduation: Between Readiness and Reality," held at the Sheraton Dhaka, citing significant economic headwinds amid recent political turmoil and potential severe negative impacts if graduate with insufficient preparedness.

Participants, including senior policymakers, diplomats, leading economists, development partners, prominent business figures, and political representatives, expressed consensus that while Bangladesh has met the eligibility criteria, the current global uncertainties and domestic economic vulnerabilities warrant a delay. Echoing concerns highlighted in recent UN CDP monitoring report about weakened private sector confidence, the dialogue underscored the need for an immediate deferral by a logical margin to allow adequate time for implementing a robust Smooth Transition Strategy (STS), securing vital trade agreements, and safeguarding national interests.

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Relevant Documents

Download LDC Graduation - Cross Country Fact Sheet

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