The government of Bangladesh has formally requested a three-year postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, sending a letter to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) to seek approval.
According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the letter, signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, was sent to the CDP on Wednesday. Bangladesh’s request, along with related matters, will be reviewed at the CDP meeting scheduled from February 24 to 28.
The letter noted that although the government had planned to use the preparatory period to address post-Covid challenges effectively, a series of consecutive global shocks has hindered progress. Even before the country could recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine war caused spikes in fuel and food prices, while tight global monetary policies, supply chain disruptions, and trade uncertainties added pressure to the national economy.
The letter further highlighted that domestic economic conditions—including reduced investment, slower revenue growth, and declining GDP growth—have prevented structural reforms from advancing as expected. Consequently, necessary infrastructural and policy adjustments to adapt to post-LDC graduation realities could not be fully implemented.
Bangladesh also cited high levels of uncertainty in global trade, particularly regarding the European market’s GSP Plus benefits and potential policy changes by major trade partners, which could put additional pressure on the country’s competitiveness. The government emphasized that extra time is needed to address these risks.
In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested a “crisis assessment” and a possible extension of three years. ERD officials said that a preliminary assessment report could be prepared within about two weeks after the February meeting. Following this, the CDP will provide observations and recommendations, which will then be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for a final decision. The full process could take until September or October to complete.
Sources noted that last year, the UN conducted an assessment at Bangladesh’s request. While the country’s economic challenges were highlighted, no specific recommendations were issued, though the graduation process was described as "challenging" for Bangladesh.
Officials said the process has now formally begun, and further decisions will depend on the results of the ongoing assessment.