CA rallies agencies for fast-track progress on LDC graduation

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned government bodies to act swiftly and in close coordination to ensure Bangladesh’s timely and successful transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Speaking at a high-level review meeting at State Guest House Jamuna, Prof Yunus emphasised that Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture and must seize the momentum already generated.

“We have the attention of global investors, donors, and development partners,” he said. “Now it’s time to accelerate—this is a moment for seamless coordination and purposeful execution.”

The meeting, attended by top officials including Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, focused on overcoming bottlenecks in priority areas tied to the country’s graduation roadmap.

The Chief Adviser likened the required inter-agency collaboration to a rapid-response team, stating:

“We need an institutional culture that works like a firefighting crew—when the alarm sounds, they act fast, with focus and urgency, and they don’t stop until the problem is resolved.”

Prof Yunus reaffirmed that his office will personally oversee the implementation of all graduation-related reforms, underlining his administration's seriousness.

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.

The Chief Adviser closed the meeting by calling for a unified national effort, promising that his office will remove administrative roadblocks and provide policy leadership as needed to keep the process on track.