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UNGA grants Bangladesh 3-yr extension for LDC graduation
Graduation deadline pushed to 24 Nov 2029 to bolster economic resilience, export competitiveness
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 30 Oct 2026, 10:47 AM
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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted a resolution granting Bangladesh a three-year extension of its preparatory period for graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, extending the deadline to 24 November 2029.
The decision marks a significant diplomatic achievement for
the current government, giving Bangladesh additional time to strengthen
economic resilience, enhance export competitiveness and prepare for the
eventual loss of LDC-specific trade preferences and international support
measures, said a press release.
Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Ambassador Irene Z Khan said, "Bangladesh is graduating from the LDC
category not because the international process calls for it, but because
graduation is an aspiration of our people. It is a national imperative, and our
government is firmly committed to achieving that goal."
Following the formation of the new government, Bangladesh formally requested the extension on 18 February 2026, citing global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, changing trade dynamics, energy and supply-chain risks, and domestic economic challenges.
The UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) recommended
favourable consideration of the request. Subsequently, on 21 July, the UN
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) recommended that the General Assembly take
a final decision.
To facilitate the negotiations, the government developed a
three-year roadmap outlining measurable actions to ensure a smooth and
sustainable transition.
The extension period will provide additional time to address
structural vulnerabilities, diversify exports, improve infrastructure and
logistics, and implement essential economic reforms.
The extension offers Bangladesh a crucial window to implement necessary reforms and build a more competitive, diversified and resilient economy ahead of its revised graduation date.