Dhaka:Acting Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir announced that Bangladesh has achieved a major diplomatic success with the three-year extension of its graduation timeline from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the extension was approved by the United Nations General Assembly during a plenary meeting in New York. This decision allows Bangladesh to extend its preparatory period for LDC graduation until November 24, 2029. The extension provides additional time for the country to strengthen economic resilience, consolidate reforms, and prepare for a smooth transition.
Kobir, who will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the importance of this diplomatic success. He stated that the extension was secured within just eight months of the current government's formation. The decision was supported by representatives of France, Canada, and Ireland, with no objections from any member state.
The BNP-led government sought the extension to create the necessary policy space for stabilizing the macro economy and implementing priority measures under the Smooth Transition Strategy. The original preparatory period was disrupted by various crises, hindering essential transition-related reforms. The extension is expected to help Bangladesh address structural economic vulnerabilities and prepare for the withdrawal of international support measures associated with LDC status.