UN Committee Backs Bangladesh’s Proposal to Extend LDC Graduation Preparatory Period to 2029

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has expressed a positive stance on Bangladesh’s request to extend its preparatory period for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status until November 24, 2029.

The committee’s chair, Professor José Antonio Ocampo, conveyed to the Government of Bangladesh that, based on the CDP’s assessment, it would be appropriate for the United Nations General Assembly to approve the extension.

The information was confirmed in a statement issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.

According to the CDP, the additional time should be used to address structural challenges and implement necessary policy reforms. The committee emphasized that the extended timeline must not lead to a slowdown in reforms, but rather serve as a catalyst for accelerating the transition process.

Bangladesh formally requested the extension on February 18, 2026, proposing a three-year extension of the preparatory period. The government later reinforced its request in a letter sent to the UN Secretary-General on April 6, seeking support for the proposal.

The CDP noted that Bangladesh has already exceeded all three criteria required for graduation from LDC status by a significant margin. It also assessed that the likelihood of the country slipping back below those thresholds in the near to medium term is low, reflecting strong confidence in Bangladesh’s readiness for graduation.

However, the committee highlighted several global risks that could affect the transition process, including ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, volatility in energy markets, supply chain uncertainties, and shifts in international trade structures.

The CDP welcomed Bangladesh’s “Smooth Transition Strategy” and said that extending the preparatory period would allow for deeper assessment of global changes, better prioritization of reforms, and improved readiness for post-graduation trade benefits and international support mechanisms.

The committee also stressed the importance of continued international cooperation during and after graduation. This includes concessional financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building support for trade negotiations and economic resilience.

Key domestic priorities outlined by the CDP include strengthening financial sector stability, increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, boosting domestic resource mobilization, enhancing productive capacity, diversifying the economy, and preparing the private sector for new global conditions.

The Government of Bangladesh welcomed the CDP’s positive assessment, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and international partnerships would help ensure a smooth, sustainable, and successful graduation from LDC status.