Yunus urges coordinated action for timely LDC graduation

Chief Adviser to the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday called for urgent and coordinated action from all relevant agencies to ensure Bangladesh's smooth and timely graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status.

He made the remarks during a high-level meeting with an LDC Graduation Committee at State Guest House Jamuna, where progress on key deliverables was reviewed, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

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

"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 also added.

"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.

He further assured that the Chief Adviser's Office would 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.

These include the full operationalisation of National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies and implementation of National Tariff Policy 2023 through a clear action plan.

It also involves execution of key measures under National Logistics Policy 2024 including infrastructure projects, operational readiness of Savar Tannery Industrial Estate's central effluent treatment, and full-scale operation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Industrial 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 Chief Adviser's Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi attended the meeting.