Bangladesh to graduate from LDC status in 2026, CA calls for preparations

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has stressed the need to start preparing for the challenges that may arise from the transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026.

"The Advisory Council has decided that Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status in 2026. The chief adviser has instructed [all concerned] to prepare now to face the challenges that will follow," chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a press briefing at the Foreign Services Academy in the capital today (13 March) after the Advisory Committee meeting.

Previously, the interim government had considered postponing the transition further, newly appointed Special Assistant to the chief adviser, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, earlier told the media.

The deadline for Bangladesh's graduation from LDC to a developing country is 24 November 2026. 

Speaking regarding the reform proposals, Press Secretary Shafiqul further said the six reform commissions (Constitution, Judiciary, Electoral System, Public Administration, Police and Anti-Corruption Commission) have submitted many recommendations, some of which do not require any political dialogue for implementation. 

"These can be implemented by the relevant ministries, and there is no financial implication for the administrative decisions required in this regard."

Through a 30-page document, which is currently being prepared, each of the decisions will be given to the relevant ministries, and they will implement them in their own way.

Shafiqul said during the fallen dictatorial regime, 560 mosques were built at a cost of $1 billion, and it was said that the funding was from Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia did not give a single penny in this regard. Also, various irregularities have been reported regarding the mosques [projects]. "It has been discussed at the cabinet meeting, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has formed a committee to investigate the matter."

At the meeting, the chief adviser also gave instructions to fill the vacant posts [in govt offices]. "He directed the cabinet secretary to make arrangements for the rapid recruitment of manpower in government offices

"The cabinet secretary will inform the Advisory Council about the number of appointments that can be made in the next meeting," added Shafiqul.

He said the chief adviser is leaving for a four-day visit to China on 26 March. There, he is expected to attend conferences and hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, among other programmes.

He said the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations will assist the government in extending insurance services to rural farmers. "At the same time, they have assured that $4 million in assistance will be provided for Bangladesh's agricultural development."

Regarding importing electricity from Nepal, he said it was discussed extensively at the Advisory Council meeting. "A UN agreement needs to be signed between Bangladesh, Nepal, and India on this matter. Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lend its support to this end."

Responding to a query from reporters regarding banning any demonstrations at Shahbagh, among some other places, he said any gathering at Shahbagh has been banned due to the visit of the UN secretary general.