Bangladesh seeks to keep least developed status amid economic stress

Economy

UN to consider delay to graduation that would preserve trade benefits

People shop at a market in Dhaka on Feb. 11. The new Bangladesh government has formally sought to defer the country’s exit from “least developed country” status, citing factors such as macroeconomic stress. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) 

MASUM BILLAH

February 24, 2026 15:50 JST

DHAKA — The new Bangladesh government has formally sought to defer the country’s exit from “least developed country” (LDC) status, which would potentially expose it to higher trade barriers, citing macroeconomic stress, trade uncertainty and institutional weaknesses, although any actual delay hinges on several United Nations processes.