In a significant development, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has recommended that the UN General Assembly take a final decision on Bangladesh's request for a three-year extension of its preparatory period before graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. This recommendation, made through a consensus decision adopted by ECOSOC member states, also applies to Nepal, which has made a similar request.
Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, introduced the draft decision on behalf of both Bangladesh and Nepal, outlining the rationale behind the requests for extending the preparatory period. The ECOSOC decision followed assessments by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP), which concluded that it would be appropriate for the UN General Assembly to consider granting the requested extensions to both countries.
Under the ECOSOC decision, the UN General Assembly is recommended to take a final decision on the requests before November 24, 2026, the date on which 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 graduation from the LDC category.
He also reiterated the country's firm commitment to undertaking the necessary policy measures and reforms to strengthen its preparedness for graduation should the UN General Assembly approve the proposed deferral. This move underscores the importance of a measured approach to LDC graduation, ensuring that countries are fully prepared for the transition.
The decision by ECOSOC highlights the complexities involved in graduating from the LDC category and the need for careful consideration of each country's unique circumstances. As the UN General Assembly prepares to make its final decision, the focus remains on supporting Bangladesh and Nepal in their journey towards sustainable development.
