Bangladesh is firmly moving forward with its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by 2026, with no scope for reversal, said Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Economic Affairs Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. A high-level monitoring body, policy reforms, and dedicated trade cells are being formed to tackle post-graduation challenges.
Bangladesh is fully committed to graduating from the LDC status by 2026, and stepping back is not an option, declared Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday. The briefing followed a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who instructed authorities to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to handle potential economic and institutional challenges post-transition.
Dr. Anisuzzaman said, “The LDC aircraft is already airborne—there is no emergency landing now. We’ve assessed our position and are satisfied with our progress. The plane will fly, there’s no risk of a crash.”
He emphasized that although challenges exist, especially in employment and pressure on the private sector, a framework is being built to address these issues proactively. “A high-powered monitoring committee will be formed involving government officials, international experts, private sector representatives, and stakeholders from potentially affected sectors,” he added.
Bangladesh, he said, is taking inspiration from Bhutan and Samoa, who successfully transitioned out of LDC status. “If they can, why can’t we? The confidence must be there,” he stated.
Dismissing concerns raised by some quarters about losing trade privileges post-graduation, Dr. Anisuzzaman clarified, “The current duty-free access will not abruptly end in 2026. The European Union has already extended preferences until 2029, while countries like Australia, Japan, the UK, and China have assured us of continued trade benefits.”
Regarding institutional readiness, he acknowledged weaknesses but revealed that a dedicated trade cell will be established, separate from the existing bureaucracy, to handle trade negotiations and ensure continuity in policy. “We are creating a strong trade negotiation body. No more temporary or rotational staffing in this unit,” he noted.
He dismissed fears that the readymade garments sector would be negatively impacted by the graduation. “Rather than expecting privileges, we must create opportunities. Why cling to a beggar’s mindset? That’s a colonial hangover. We will generate our own advantages,” he asserted.
Addressing governance challenges, he admitted that good governance remains a key issue. However, he highlighted the government’s initiatives to curb corruption and improve the ease of doing business.
Responding to queries about the upcoming election timeline, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam explained that reforms, both major and minor, would depend on the outcomes of dialogues between political parties and the National Consensus Commission. “The scale of reforms will reflect the consensus reached,” he said.
On foreign relations, particularly with Pakistan, Alam clarified that Bangladesh’s foreign policy under the Chief Adviser aims to revitalize SAARC and improve ties with all member countries, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. “Our diplomacy is pro-Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser is working closely to uphold national interest in all bilateral engagements,” he said.
Liberty News’ correspondent states that Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present at the press briefing.
LND/BG
