UN panel queries Bangladesh’s economic readiness for LDC exit

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) has asked Bangladesh to provide clarification on its economic situation ahead of the country's scheduled graduation from least developed country (LDC) status.

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

The meeting followed Bangladesh's submission of its 2025 annual country report to the UN panel, which evaluates LDC graduation against established thresholds. The report was submitted on November 10. Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from LDC status in November 2026.

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

"The UN CDP team and other UN officials focused mainly on the government's report," said a meeting participant, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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

"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," the participant said.

"They also requested updates on Bangladesh's preparations to obtain EU Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status," they added.

Another participant, speaking anonymously, said the UN CDP team also sought information on Bangladesh's current economic situation, including employment, exports, and imports. "The meeting also covered the private sector's recent performance in trade, business, and the economy," they added.

Earlier, on November 10, a team led by Roland Mollerus, acting director of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, met with business leaders, independent economists, senior government officials, and labour union representatives.

They discussed the country's macroeconomic stability, while business leaders urged a deferment of graduation by at least six years, citing insufficient readiness.

Despite these calls, the interim government has repeatedly affirmed its intention to maintain the graduation timeline. The independent UN commission is preparing a report on the visit, which will be submitted to the UN CDP soon.

The UN panel is scheduled to review both Bangladesh's 2025 annual report and the commission's findings in February before finalising decisions on the country's LDC graduation or any possible deferment.