ECOSOC Backs Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation Extension Bid

The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has recommended that the UN General Assembly make the final decision on Bangladesh’s request for a three-year extension of its preparatory period before graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

The recommendation was adopted through a consensus decision by ECOSOC member states at a council meeting on Tuesday, according to a message received on Wednesday.

A similar recommendation was also made for Nepal’s request for an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, introduced the draft decision on behalf of Bangladesh and Nepal, explaining the reasons behind their requests.

The ECOSOC decision followed assessments by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP), which found that it would be appropriate for the UN General Assembly to consider granting the requested extensions for both countries.

Under the decision, ECOSOC recommended that the General Assembly take a final decision on the requests before November 24, 2026, the date when Bangladesh and Nepal are currently scheduled to graduate from the LDC category.

Following the adoption of the decision, Ambassador Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, sustainable and irreversible transition from the LDC category.

He also said Bangladesh remains committed to implementing necessary policy measures and reforms to strengthen its preparedness for graduation if the UN General Assembly approves the proposed deferral.