Under a 2021 UN resolution, Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from Least Developed Country status on 24 November 2026. In February, the new government asked to defer that date to 24 November 2029. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wrote to the UN Secretary-General on 6 April. The request cites unprecedented political, macroeconomic, environmental and external shocks.

Key dates in Bangladesh’s request to defer LDC graduation

The process has moved in steps. The UN’s Committee for Development Policy assessed the request. On 21 July, the Economic and Social Council referred it to the General Assembly, asking for a decision before 24 November.

Financial Express reported in late September that confirmation was unlikely during the current General Assembly session. An official of the Economic Relations Division said the decision is likely at the next meeting, in October or early November. Bangladesh has lobbied most of the UN’s 192 member states. If any member demands a vote, a majority would be needed.

The stakes are large. About 73% of Bangladesh’s merchandise exports benefit from LDC preferences, according to analysis reported by TOB. Daily Star notes that different studies suggest Bangladesh could lose as much as $17.5 billion in annual export earnings. The European Union allows a further three years of duty-free access after graduation, and a new EU GSP scheme applies from 1 January 2027.

Voices from industry and academia are blunt. BKMEA’s Fazlee Shamim Ehsan called losing preferential access a major shock. Professor Siddiquee of Dhaka University said the timeline had been known for years and the time should have been used to build competitiveness.

The UN committee’s own message may be the sharpest. Reports say it warned that an extension is time for structural reform, not for delay, pointing to weaknesses in the banking sector, revenue collection and a narrow export base.

Note that the committee’s position has been reported slightly differently by different outlets. Most reports, including those after the July Council decision, describe backing for a three-year deferral, while one outlet in June reported that the committee leaned toward a shorter extension. Readers should watch the General Assembly outcome rather than any single headline.