Bangladesh’s LDC graduation readiness is weak: UN assessment report
FILE VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL
Bangladesh’s readiness to graduate to a developing nation from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in November this year is weak due to multiple domestic and global challenges, according to a UN assessment released today.
The Graduation Readiness Assessment, prepared by an expert panel of the UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), found that while the country meets the graduation criteria, significant risks remain.
These include the loss of trade preferences, macroeconomic pressures, fiscal and financial vulnerabilities, climate risks, and weak institutional coordination.
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The report highlighted the need for reforms, stronger implementation capacity, adequate policy space, and a whole-of-society approach to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.
Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate on November 24, having met all three required criteria.
However, the interim government last year requested an independent assessment from the UN-OHRLLS amid concerns from businesses over potential losses in export orders and broader economic vulnerabilities.
The current BNP-led government applied to the UN Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) on February 23, seeking a three-year deferment of the graduation to November 2029, citing economic fragility. The UN CDP has initiated a process to evaluate the request.
In response, the UN-OHRLLS commissioned the assessment through consultations with government institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and the United Nations system.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the country’s preparedness to manage the transition, focusing on the impact of withdrawing LDC-specific support measures and institutional readiness to sustain development gains.
Mohammad Abdur Razzaque and Daniel Gay, consultants of the UN-OHRLLS, presented the findings at a consultation meeting on graduation readiness organised by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in collaboration with the UN-OHRLLS.
The meeting was held at the Planning Commission in Dhaka, attended by ministers, diplomats, business leaders, academicians, and government advisers.
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