Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for urgent and coordinated action from all relevant agencies to ensure Bangladesh's smooth and timely graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He made the call during a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee at the State Guest House Jamuna here, where progress on key deliverables was reviewed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the chief adviser emphasised the need for coordination, stating, "We already have the attention and support of investors, funders, and development partners. Now, we must build on the efforts already underway and intensify our collective action to move forward with speed and purpose." He stressed the importance of institutional readiness and urged all stakeholders to work in unison, likening the team to firefighters who must respond quickly and efficiently when called upon.
The chief adviser assured that the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) will actively oversee the process. "The highest office of the government will personally monitor the implementation of all graduation-related initiatives," he added.
During the meeting, the LDC Graduation Committee identified five priority actions that require urgent completion. These include the full operationalisation of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies, implementation of the National Tariff Policy, 2023 through a clear action plan, execution of key measures under the National Logistics Policy, 2024, including infrastructure projects, operational readiness of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at Savar Tannery Village, and full-scale operation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gajaria, Munshiganj.
The chief adviser remarked, "These aren't just routine tasks-we need to see them as key steps. Each one helps clear the way for our graduation and builds a stronger, fairer economy for everyone."
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi attended the meeting, alongside members of the LDC Graduation Committee and policy advisers.