Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the importance of achieving self-sufficiency rather than prioritizing Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Addressing a meeting of the National Steering Committee at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon, Professor Yunus underscored the need for Bangladesh to become self-reliant to reduce dependency on external assistance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus highlighted the necessity for a strategic shift, stating, "We must be clear that we no longer want to remain dependent on others. We have to become self-reliant. Since we are still dependent, our focus should be on moving away from it as soon as possible. There is no other option." The meeting aimed to implement and monitor a smooth and sustainable transition strategy for Bangladesh's shift from the LDC status.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy about the meeting's outcomes. Emphasizing the vision of a self-reliant Bangladesh, Yunus remarked, "For this, we have to change our habits. To be self-reliant, we must use our intellect, work hard, and struggle. Though it may be difficult, there is joy in this effort. When we talk about a new Bangladesh, it means a self-reliant Bangladesh."
Professor Yunus further asserted that Bangladesh possesses the capability to stand independently, citing the nation's youth and creativity as foundational strengths. "Our youth and creativity are our strength. We have both the power and the opportunity-we must utilize them. We must build a self-reliant economy to free the nation from dependency. We do not want to live in servitude," he added.
The meeting was attended by key government and industry figures, including Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, among others. Representatives from major trade and industry bodies such as BGMEA, FBCCI, and DCCI were also present, underscoring the broad support for a self-sufficient economic strategy.