Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called a meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee at the State Guest House Jamuna. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 11, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for urgent and coordinated action from all relevant agencies to ensure Bangladesh's smooth and timely graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

He made the call during a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee at the State Guest House Jamuna here, where progress on key deliverables was reviewed.

"This whole thing is about coordination," the chief adviser said.

"We already have the attention and support of investors, funders, and development partners. Now, we must build on the efforts already underway and intensify our collective action to move forward with speed and purpose," he said.

Emphasising the importance of institutional readiness, Prof Yunus called upon all stakeholders to move in unison.

"We need a team that functions like firefighters. When the whistle blows, they must respond-fast, efficiently, and without delay and stay at the problem until it is solved," he said.

The chief adviser further assured that the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) will take an active role in overseeing the process. 

"The highest office of the government will personally monitor the implementation of all graduation-related initiatives," he added.

During the meeting, the LDC Graduation Committee identified five priority actions that must be completed on an urgent basis.

The actions are: Full operationalisation of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies; Implementation of the National Tariff Policy, 2023 through a clear action plan; Execution of key measures under the National Logistics Policy, 2024, including infrastructure projects; Operational readiness of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at Savar Tannery Village, and Full-scale operation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gajaria, Munshiganj.

"These aren't just routine tasks-we need to see them as key steps, each one helps clear the way for our graduation and builds a stronger, fairer economy for everyone", the chief adviser added.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and his Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, attended the meeting, alongside members of the LDC Graduation Committee and policy advisers.