The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has recommended extending Bangladesh’s preparatory period for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status until 24 November 2029, responding positively to the government’s request.
CDP Chairperson Professor José Antonio Ocampo has informed the Bangladesh government that, according to the committee’s assessment, it would be appropriate for the UN General Assembly to extend the preparatory period, a press release said on Tuesday.
However, the committee noted that Bangladesh must achieve significant progress in key internal reforms during this time to address existing structural vulnerabilities.
The Bangladesh government on 18 February 2026 requested the CDP to extend the preparatory period for LDC graduation by three years until 24 November 2029. Subsequently, the Prime Minister sought the personal cooperation of the UN Secretary General on this matter in a letter sent on 6 April 2026.
In its evaluation, the CDP noted that Bangladesh has exceeded the set thresholds by significant margins in each of the three LDC graduation indicators, and the risk of regression from this position in the near to medium term is very low.
However, the committee observed that the recent Middle East crisis, global energy and supply chain uncertainties, changes in the international trade environment, and global challenges could impact the country’s implementation of graduation preparations.
The committee welcomed the government’s commitment to implementing its Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) and believes that an extended preparatory period would allow better assessment of the impact of current global circumstances, determination of necessary priorities, and adequate preparation for post-graduation market access and international support measures.
The CDP also emphasised continued international cooperation for Bangladesh during both the preparatory period and the post-graduation phase, including concessional financing, appropriate extension of LDC-related International Support Measures, technical assistance, and enhanced capacity for trade negotiations.
The committee specifically highlighted the importance of internal reforms, focusing on ensuring financial sector stability, increasing tax revenue, strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, enhancing productive capacity, diversifying the economy, and preparing the private sector for graduation.
According to the committee, the extended preparatory period should not be seen as an opportunity to delay reforms but should act as a catalyst to accelerate them.
The Bangladesh government welcomed the CDP’s positive evaluation and recommendation, expressing firm belief that through the cooperation of the international community and ongoing reform activities, Bangladesh will be able to ensure a sustainable, smooth and successful LDC graduation.
