Home adviser calls for export-oriented agriculture, good governance to tackle post-LDC challenges

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that Bangladesh must make its agriculture sector more export-oriented and prioritise good governance to effectively manage the challenges of graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

He made the remarks at a workshop titled "Local Level Stakeholders Consultation on Inclusive, Smooth and Sustainable LDC Graduation", held today (31 May) at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Munshiganj, according to a press release.

The workshop was organised by the Economic Relations Division's (ERD) Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP), in collaboration with the Munshiganj district administration.

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Finance Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky attended the event as guests of honour. Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj Fatema Tul Jannat chaired the session.

"Good governance should receive due priority for preparing the country for post-graduation challenges," said Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who also oversees the Ministry of Agriculture.

Speaking at the event, Adilur Rahman Khan said Munshiganj had the potential to become a major hub for small and medium enterprises.

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury stressed the need for national unity and solidarity to achieve long-term development goals, drawing on the experiences of East and Southeast Asian countries.

ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky highlighted the importance of active involvement from the private sector alongside the government in tackling LDC graduation challenges. He also suggested that a biotechnology village could be established in Munshiganj.

DC Fatema Tul Jannat expressed hope that the insights from the workshop would help shape government policies and strategies related to LDC graduation.

SSGP Project Director and ERD Additional Secretary AHM Jahangir delivered the welcome remarks, where he stressed the importance of raising awareness among local private sector representatives, especially those in export-oriented industries, about the opportunities created by graduation.

Two presentations were delivered during the workshop: one by former government additional secretary Md Rezaul Bashar, providing an overview of the LDC graduation process and its implications, and another by Mostafa Abid Khan, former member of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, on strategies for sustainable graduation and the role of local stakeholders.

Panel speakers included SSGP International Trade Expert Nesar Ahmed, Government Haraganga College Principal Professor Nazmun Nahar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Md Mahmudur Rahman Khondoker, Yunus Khan Memorial College founder Faridur Rahman Khan, and Munshiganj Press Club President Bachiruddin Jewel.

Speakers noted the potential for developing agro-processing and tourism industries in Munshiganj. They called for improved infrastructure, expanded transportation, steady gas and electricity supply for factories, and enhanced skills training for local youth.

Bangladesh fulfilled the criteria for graduation during the UN Committee for Development Policy's triennial reviews in 2018 and 2021 and is scheduled to officially graduate from LDC status in 2026, following a five-year preparatory period.

To ensure a smooth and sustainable transition, the government has prioritised this milestone and adopted a Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) in consultation with stakeholders.

ERD's SSGP has been conducting local-level workshops to engage grassroots stakeholders in the graduation process and raise awareness about its opportunities.

The event was also attended by officials from ERD, SSGP, the district administration, and representatives from the private sector and civil society.