UN Panel Recommends 3-Year Delay in LDC Exit

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A United Nations expert committee has recommended deferring Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by three years, a move that would give the country additional time to prepare for the withdrawal of trade, tariff and other international support measures.

The recommendation was made by the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP), according to a statement from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) issued on Tuesday. If approved by the UN General Assembly, the extension would postpone Bangladesh’s LDC exit beyond 24 November this year.

The committee noted that Bangladesh has already met all graduation criteria and is considered firmly on track to move into the developing and middle-income group, with minimal risk of reversal. However, it warned that external shocks—including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global energy and supply chain disruptions, and shifting international trade policies—could complicate a smooth transition.

Earlier, the government formally requested a three-year extension, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wrote to UN Secretary-General António Guterres seeking support for the proposal.

While endorsing the delay, the CDP emphasized that the additional time should not slow reform efforts. It urged Bangladesh to focus on strengthening financial stability, improving tax collection, raising productivity, and diversifying its economy.

The committee also called for continued international support even after graduation, noting that global trade rules allow a limited transition period to ease newly graduated countries into full integration.

If the UN General Assembly does not approve the recommendation, Bangladesh will proceed with its scheduled graduation from the LDC category on 24 November this year.