Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category appears to be in limbo, with both the private sector and the interim administration favouring that the final decision be left to the next elected government, according to official sources.
A visiting United Nations independent review team, currently assessing Bangladesh’s readiness for LDC graduation, noted differences between the government and the private sector over the timing and conditions of the transition.
At a meeting held on Wednesday at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Dhaka, chaired by ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, representatives from key agencies — including the Commerce Ministry, Finance Division, Industries Ministry, BIDA, National Board of Revenue, and Bangladesh Bank — urged the UN team to consider granting additional time to the next political administration to make the final call.
Officials cited emerging global and domestic uncertainties — including potential tariff shifts under a possible Trump administration, recent political unrest, and broader economic volatility — as reasons for a cautious approach.
While Bangladesh comfortably meets all three criteria for graduation, officials emphasised the need for a “smooth and sustainable” transition. The UN delegation is holding consultations with government bodies, private-sector representatives, and think tanks to formulate its assessment.
Bangladesh is officially scheduled to graduate from the LDC category on 24th November 2026.
