UN CDP reviews Bangladesh’s economic readiness ahead of LDC graduation

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) has sought clarification from Bangladesh on the country's economic situation.

The panel inquired about Bangladesh's readiness for LDC graduation and progress in implementing the Smooth Transition Strategy (STS), the guideline designed to ensure a sustainable graduation from the LDC category, during a virtual meeting with top government officials yesterday. 

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser, led the Bangladesh delegation, while senior officials of the UN CDP and representatives from other UN bodies participated.

The meeting followed Bangladesh's submission of its annual country report 2025 to the UN panel, which is responsible for assessing LDC graduation against established thresholds.

The South Asian nation is scheduled to graduate from LDC status in November 2026.

The UN CDP focused primarily on the government's report submitted on November 10, said a participant who requested anonymity.

Officials sought information on macroeconomic stability, foreign currency reserves with the central bank, balance of payments, private sector investment, and the tax-to-GDP ratio. They also discussed various economic issues highlighted in the report.

The committee has been reviewing Bangladesh's economic position to provide feedback in February, ahead of the country's scheduled graduation to a developing nation on November 24 next year.

They also sought updates on Bangladesh's preparations to obtain EU Generalisd System of Preference Plus status, the participant added.