State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki today called for stronger international support, including grants, concessional financing and technology transfer, to help Bangladesh accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delivering Bangladesh's country statement at the General Debate of the High- Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Zonayed Saki said the country remains firmly committed to achieving the SDGs despite significant economic and financial challenges.
Renewed Mandate and Strategic Approach
He said Bangladesh joined the forum with a renewed mandate from its people following the February national election and that the new government had adopted a "3R Strategy" - Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction - to restore economic stability, rebuild institutions and lay the foundation for sustainable development. The state minister said Bangladesh faces an annual SDG financing gap of more than US$132 billion until 2030, particularly in clean energy, economic growth and infrastructure.
Humanitarian and Development Challenges
He also highlighted the continued burden of hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas, noting that the humanitarian response faces a 37 percent funding gap, including an immediate shortfall of about US$261 million. Despite these challenges, Zonayed Saki said Bangladesh has continued making progress in reducing extreme poverty, achieving near-universal primary school enrolment and strengthening climate resilience.
He said the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is pursuing a transformative development agenda aligned with the Five-Year Strategic Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and preparations for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Highlighting the government's priorities, Zonayed Saki said Bangladesh plans to increase public spending on education and health to 5 percent of GDP.
He said the government will dredge 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years to improve water security, reduce flood risks and restore ecosystems. The state minister also announced plans to plant 250 million saplings, expand renewable energy, promote green industries and sustainable transport, and develop a carbon market to mobilise green investment and carbon-credit opportunities.
He said the government is strengthening domestic resource mobilisation to expand social protection and promote inclusive development through a universal life-cycle-based social security programme with a special focus on women. Zonayed Saki also said the newly introduced Farmers Card initiative will strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security and improve agricultural productivity. Concluding his statement, the state minister urged development partners to enhance financial and technical support for Bangladesh's sustainable development efforts, reaffirming the country's commitment to reform, invest and deliver on the SDGs while ensuring that no one is left behind.
