Bangladesh seeks extension of LDC graduation period

Bangladesh has requested an extension of the preparatory period for its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition, the country's permanent representative to the United Nations has said.

Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury made the call during the general debate of the ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, April 23.

Chowdhury said geopolitical conflicts, declining official development assistance, climate shocks, trade barriers, and energy uncertainties were shrinking the policy space for developing countries, according to a press release.

In this context, he said Bangladesh sought an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period to ensure a sustainable and seamless transition .

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to graduate from LDC status on November 24, 2026 .

As an LDC, the country enjoys duty-free and quota-free access to major export markets, particularly in Europe. These trade benefits will expire once it leaves the category, raising concerns over the competitiveness of its exports .

The envoy highlighted the government's focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability, restoring business confidence, strengthening the banking sector, promoting investment, and expanding direct support for vulnerable people .

He stressed the need to reduce debt servicing costs, avoid inefficient infrastructure-related debt, and channel foreign direct investment into productive, job-creating sectors alongside technology transfer .

Chowdhury also called for a more representative global financial system, climate justice, effective action on loss and damage, and the return of stolen assets to their rightful owners .