Bangladesh, Nepal seek 3-year LDC graduation delay
Photo: Courtesy
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has recommended that the General Assembly make a final decision regarding the request to extend the preparation period for Bangladesh and Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
The recommendation came after member states unanimously adopted a decision during a recent meeting.
The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury highlighted the background, necessity, and logic behind the request to extend the preparation period by three years on behalf of Bangladesh and Nepal.
He noted, “Additional preparation time is essential to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and stable transition from the LDC status.”
Earlier, the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) reviewed the applications from both countries and concluded it would be appropriate for the General Assembly to consider the extension request.
Based on that recommendation, ECOSOC has now urged the General Assembly to reach a final decision before 24 November, which is the scheduled date for Bangladesh and Nepal to graduate from the LDC list.
Following the decision, Salahuddin reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation from the LDC category.
He added, “If the General Assembly takes the final decision to extend the preparation period, Bangladesh will implement necessary policy steps and reforms, while further strengthening the country’s preparation for the post-LDC phase.”
