Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 14, 2026 (BSS) - Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, prime minister's
adviser on the ministries of Finance and Planning, has sought stronger United
Nations support to ensure Bangladesh's smooth and sustainable graduation from
the Least Developed Country (LDC) category while accelerating implementation
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During separate meetings at UN Headquarters with UN Under-Secretary-General
for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General and
Executive Secretary of UNESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and UNDP Assistant
Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni
Wignaraja, Dr. Titumir underscored Bangladesh's request for a three-year
extension of the LDC graduation preparatory period, said a press release here
today.

He said the extension would help maintain macroeconomic stability, ensure
effective implementation of the Smooth Transition Strategy and facilitate
sustainable and irreversible graduation from the LDC category.

The adviser said the government's democratic mandate has strengthened its
reform agenda, focusing on institutional reform, accountable governance and
people-centred development.

He also highlighted the government's 3R Strategy-Recovery, Restoration and
Reconstruction for Acceleration as the roadmap for restoring economic
stability and advancing long-term development.

Li Junhua reaffirmed UN DESA's support for Bangladesh's development journey,
pledged cooperation in the LDC transition process and praised the
government's Universal Social Security Protection System.

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana reiterated UN-ESCAP's support for Bangladesh's LDC
transition, regional connectivity and climate resilience.

Kanni Wignaraja reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting democratic
governance, institutional reforms and Bangladesh's sustainable development
priorities.