Move at Full Speed for Smooth LDC Graduation: Chief Adviser

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Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged all concerned to act swiftly and decisively to ensure a smooth transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status, with Bangladesh set to graduate in November 2026.

“We’ve already taken the decision. Now we must move at full speed,” said the Chief Adviser, as quoted by his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, following a high-level meeting with experts on LDC graduation at his office on Tuesday.

During a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Shafiqul said the Chief Adviser instructed officials to take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid disruptions in any sector post-graduation. He also stressed the need to maximise the potential benefits of the transition.

Prof Yunus expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to become a manufacturing and economic hub in the region, and discussed ways to strengthen this positioning after graduation. He called for constant monitoring by a dedicated team, describing this phase as “very critical.”

Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant, Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, said all issues had been reviewed and a list of precautionary measures prepared. “Other relatively weaker countries have graduated successfully—we must have that same confidence,” he said.

Chowdhury noted that while no major problems are anticipated, steps are being taken to strengthen trade negotiation capacity by forming a specialised body, as none currently exists.

Responding to a question, he added that Bangladesh continues its efforts in economic diplomacy, although not all aspects can be disclosed publicly. “There are always challenges and opportunities,” he said.

He urged the public and stakeholders to view the graduation positively rather than with hesitation.