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The government plans to convene a national dialogue next month to build consensus on whether Bangladesh should seek a deferment of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will chair the discussion, which will help shape a report to be sent to the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) by October 31. The report will outline Bangladesh’s position ahead of its scheduled graduation on November 24, 2025.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Finance Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury said no decision has been taken yet on requesting an extension. “We haven’t taken any decision yet whether we would seek deferment of our graduation,” he said, stressing that the government has not made any formal move for a three-year delay.

Government’s Preparations

Dr Chowdhury said the government is working to diversify exports and remove bottlenecks in shipbuilding and pharmaceuticals to ensure jobs and growth after graduation. A “transition safety net” will also be framed to protect workers from possible shocks.

He cautioned, however, that convincing the global community to allow deferment will be difficult. “The prospect for winning the LDC deferment proposal, if made, is extremely low,” he said, pointing out that even support from 97 countries may not overcome resistance from major powers.

Expert and Business Reactions

Economist Dr Abdur Razzaque, Chairman of RAPID, welcomed the dialogue, saying it was in line with recommendations made by LDC expert panels. “Businessmen may also realise the reality that deferment of graduation may not be possible,” he said.

Policy Exchange Chairman Dr Masrur Reaz warned that Bangladesh risks economic shocks if it graduates unprepared. He urged open discussion between government and businesses and suggested a time-bound reform plan. “There is a high possibility of economic shock after graduation if Bangladesh is not prepared for it in a real sense,” he said, noting that medicine prices could surge given the country’s fragile health security.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hassan Khan Babu said exporters want the government to highlight poor port efficiency, energy shortages, and economic vulnerabilities in its response to the CDP. However, he clarified that businesses are not directly seeking deferment at the UN General Assembly due to geopolitical realities.

The Global Context

The UN will review Bangladesh’s progress for three years after graduation. Experts say amendments to labour laws, lobbying for GSP+ facilities in the EU, improving energy supply, and building a central effluent treatment plant are critical steps.

Geopolitical challenges may also complicate matters, with G7 countries and some LDCs unlikely to support Bangladesh’s deferment bid. Analysts warn that without backing from the EU and the US, Dhaka would lose preferential trade access regardless of any request to delay graduation.