Bangladesh is not yet prepared to graduate from the list of least developed countries due to current economic realities, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after a multilateral consultation at the NEC Conference Center in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he cited internal and external economic pressures that have complicated the situation and made the graduation process uncertain. The meeting presented the results of a UN-OHRLLS-led ‘Graduation Readiness Assessment’ conducted at the request of the Bangladesh government.

The minister identified rising foreign debt, domestic liabilities, high interest rates, and weaknesses in financial management as key risks to the economy. He added that subsidies in the energy sector, global price increases, and import dependency have further intensified challenges. The government faces continuous fiscal pressure, making the situation more complex.

Amir Khasru noted that there is an opportunity to extend the graduation timeline. During this period, the government plans to strengthen economic indicators, enhance skills, and implement policy reforms to improve readiness. He emphasized that capacity building and sound policy implementation are essential to overcome current challenges.