Munshiganj: Home Affairs and Agriculture Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the necessity for Bangladesh's agro-based industries to become more export-oriented to effectively tackle the challenges post-LDC graduation. He made these remarks at a workshop titled "Local Level Stakeholders Consultation on Inclusive, Smooth and Sustainable LDC Graduation" held in Munshiganj.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) organized this workshop in collaboration with the Munshiganj district administration at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Room. Notable attendees included Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky.
During the event, Jahangir Alam highlighted the importance of good governance to prepare the nation for the challenges following its graduation from the LDC category. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan pointed out Munshiganj's potential as a significant hub for small and medium enterprises.
Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury focused on the development experiences of East and South-East Asian countries, emphasizing national unity and solidarity to achieve long-term national goals. ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky stressed the necessity of active participation from both the private sector and the government in addressing LDC graduation challenges. He also suggested the potential for establishing a biotechnology village in Munshiganj.
Presentations during the workshop provided insights into the LDC Graduation process. Dr. Rezaul Bashar gave an overview of the process and its implications, while Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan discussed strategies for a smooth and sustainable graduation and the role of local stakeholders.
The workshop's speakers noted Munshiganj's potential for developing agro-processing and tourism industries. They called for infrastructure development, transport network expansion, and improvements in gas and electricity supply to factories, alongside enhancing the skills of the local youth.
Bangladesh is set to graduate from the LDC list by 2026, having met the necessary criteria during the UN's triennial review in 2018 and 2021. The country has formulated a Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) and initiated the 'Support to Sustainable Graduation Project' to assess graduation impacts and provide capacity-building and other supports to relevant ministries.
ERD, supported by SSGP, is organizing workshops at the local level to engage grassroots stakeholders in ensuring a smooth and sustainable LDC graduation. Participants include officials from ERD and SSGP, district administration representatives, and members of the private sector and civil society organizations.