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Bangladesh has sought stronger support from the United Nations to ensure a smooth and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and advance the government’s reform agenda.
Economic and Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir made the request during separate meetings at the UN headquarters on Tuesday with UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, UNESCAP Executive Secretary and Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja.
During his meeting with Li Junhua, Dr. Titumir also reiterated Bangladesh’s request for a three-year extension of the preparatory period for its graduation from LDC status.
He said the extension would help ensure macroeconomic stability, effectively implement the country’s Smooth Transition Strategy, and secure a sustainable and irreversible graduation process.
Li Junhua reaffirmed UN DESA’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development journey and expressed commitment to working closely with the country to ensure a successful and sustainable LDC transition.
In his meeting with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Dr. Titumir said the public mandate received in the February 2026 national election had strengthened the government’s efforts to pursue institutional reforms, accountable governance, and people-centered development.
He also highlighted the government’s “Three-R” strategy—Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction for Acceleration—which he said would serve as a roadmap for restoring economic stability and promoting long-term development.
Alisjahbana reaffirmed UNESCAP’s continued support for Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, regional connectivity, and climate resilience. She also praised the government’s initiative to introduce a universal social protection system.
During talks with Kanni Wignaraja, Dr. Titumir stressed the importance of continued UNDP assistance in promoting democratic governance, institutional reforms, and Bangladesh’s sustainable development priorities.
Wignaraja reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development agenda, preparations for LDC graduation, and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
