The government of Bangladesh has formally requested a three-year postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, sending a letter to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) to seek approval. According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the letter, signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, was sent to the CDP on Wednesday. In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested a “crisis assessment” and a possible extension of three years. While the country’s economic challenges were highlighted, no specific recommendations were issued, though the graduation process was described as "challenging" for Bangladesh. Officials said the process has now formally begun, and further decisions will depend on the results of the ongoing assessment.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC