Bangladesh Gains Major Support for LDC Graduation Deferment Proposal

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Bangladesh has received support from China, the LDC group, and the Group of 77 for its proposal to extend the preparatory period before graduating from least developed country status, with the matter to be voted on during the current UN General Assembly session. The deferment aims to allow Bangladesh more time to prepare for the transition, impacting its development strategies and eligibility for international aid.

Bangladesh is receiving significant backing from key countries and trade groups for its proposal to defer the graduation from least developed country (LDC) status, officials said during the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The session began on September 8 and is scheduled to continue for two months.

Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, advisor to the prime minister on finance and planning ministries, reported that the LDC group, China, and the Group of 77 (G-77), a coalition of 134 developing nations, have expressed support for Bangladesh’s request during informal consultations at the UNGA. The proposal, which seeks an extension of the preparatory period before graduation rather than a postponement of the graduation itself, is expected to be formally voted on during the current session.

While a precise date for the proposal’s consideration has not been confirmed, Titumir said that Qatar has been actively engaging with various countries and trade blocs to build consensus in favor of the deferment. The proposal’s advancement will next be managed by the Economic and Financial Committee, or Second Committee, of the UNGA before final approval by the broader assembly.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan confirmed that Bangladesh has been intensifying diplomatic efforts, engaging with the European Union, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and members of the G-77. He noted that multiple African and Asian countries have pledged their support for the deferment proposal. However, Khan acknowledged that the schedule for the proposal’s formal presentation remains unclear.

Md Hafizur Rahman, former director general of the WTO Cell within Bangladesh’s commerce ministry and an experienced official on LDC graduation matters, emphasized the importance of securing votes from most UN member states. He indicated that unless prominent countries such as the United States oppose the deferment, Bangladesh is likely to succeed in its bid.

Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status marks a significant milestone, as it reflects improvements in economic indicators. However, concerns about readiness to transition fully into a developing country have motivated the government’s request for additional time to prepare. The outcome of the deferment proposal will have implications for Bangladesh’s development policies and international support mechanisms in the coming years.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.