The interim government has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s scheduled graduation from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing nation in 2026, dispelling earlier speculation regarding a possible delay.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the decision on Thursday (13 March) following a meeting of the Advisory Council.
Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in Dhaka, he stated that the government remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and has begun preparations to tackle the anticipated challenges.
The transition date—24 November 2026—was originally set under the previous administration.
However, the interim government had previously suggested that statistical data had been manipulated under the former regime and indicated a reconsideration of the timeline.
On Tuesday, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Finance, hinted at a possible extension.
The latest confirmation from the press secretary, however, asserts that Bangladesh will adhere to the original schedule.
Shafiqul Alam also highlighted the ongoing work of six reform commissions focusing on the constitution, judiciary, electoral system, public administration, police, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Some of these recommendations, he noted, do not require political consensus and can be implemented directly by the relevant ministries, which are now preparing the necessary documentation for execution.
Addressing governance issues, he remarked on the allegations of irregularities in the construction of 560 model mosques during the previous autocratic regime.
The project, costing nearly $1 billion, is now under investigation by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Regarding administrative efficiency, the chief adviser has directed authorities to expedite recruitment for vacant government positions.
The cabinet secretary is expected to present a report in the next advisory council meeting outlining the number of appointments needed.
The chief adviser is set to embark on a four-day visit to China on 26 March, where he is expected to attend a conference and hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Additionally, discussions are underway to resolve outstanding dues owed to various companies, with the government hopeful of making prompt payments.
Energy cooperation was also a focal point of the meeting, with officials exploring the feasibility of importing electricity from Nepal in the summer months while exporting surplus power to Nepal during winter when domestic demand decreases.
The issue of waterlogging in Chattogram was extensively discussed in the cabinet, as the city remains highly vulnerable to monsoon flooding.
Several projects aimed at mitigating the problem were reviewed, with some deemed satisfactory.
However, while officials anticipate a reduction in waterlogging next year, a complete resolution remains uncertain at this stage.
With the confirmation of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation timeline, the government now faces the pressing task of ensuring economic resilience and institutional reforms to sustain the nation’s progress in the years ahead.
