The United Nations General Assembly has extended the preparatory period for Bangladesh and Nepal to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status by three years, setting a new date of 24 November 2029 instead of November 2026.
The decision, adopted during the Assembly’s 81st session, follows requests by the two countries for more time to address structural vulnerabilities, trade uncertainty and disruptions to international energy and supply chains. The extension was reported on 30 October.
The additional period gives Bangladesh more time to strengthen export competitiveness, productive capacity and institutions ahead of the eventual loss of LDC-specific support measures. The challenge will be to use that time for measurable reforms rather than simply postpone the transition.