Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasised the importance of a carefully planned and phased approach for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to safeguard the economy against potential challenges.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Senior Representative of UN-OHRLLS Rabab Fatima at the Planning Commission on Sunday, the minister stressed that a structured transition is essential to protect the nation’s trade and industrial sectors.
“The LDC graduation process must be managed prudently to ensure that our economy, trade and industries remain resilient,” Khandaker Abdul Muktadir Muktadir said, highlighting the need for continued support from development partners.
The discussion focused on extending the LDC graduation timeline, managing post-graduation risks, and establishing a framework for sustainable and inclusive development.
Rabab Fatima praised Bangladesh for its remarkable socio-economic progress and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting a smooth, sustainable, and phased graduation process.
Senior officials, including Mahbubur Rahman, secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Md Shahriar Kader Siddiqi, secretary of the Economic Relations Division, participated in the meeting, providing technical insights and guidance on implementing the graduation roadmap.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir Muktadir reiterated that with careful planning and international support, Bangladesh aims to complete the LDC graduation in a manner that ensures economic stability and sustained growth.
