Bangladesh has issued a call for urgent global action to bridge the widening Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) financing gap and establish a fair, inclusive financial architecture.

The appeal was made during the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Financing for Development Forum 2026, where Bangladesh also sought support for a smooth and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered the statement during the general debate at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.

He noted that the policy space for developing nations is rapidly shrinking due to a combination of geopolitical conflicts, declining official development assistance, climate shocks, trade barriers, and energy uncertainties.

In light of these challenges, Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh is seeking an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period. This extension is aimed at ensuring the country achieves a "smooth and sustainable transition" as it moves toward becoming a developing nation.

Highlighting the domestic landscape, the envoy detailed Bangladesh's ongoing efforts toward political and economic recovery.

He informed the forum that the government is currently focusing on maintaining macroeconomic stability, restoring business confidence, and strengthening the banking sector.

Additionally, efforts are being intensified to promote investment and expand direct support for the country's most vulnerable populations.

Addressing the broader global financial structure, Chowdhury stressed the critical need to reduce debt servicing costs and cautioned against "inefficient infrastructure-related debt."

He advocated for a shift in global financial flows, calling for foreign direct investment to be directed into productive, job-creating sectors, accompanied by necessary technology transfers.

Concluding his address, the Permanent Representative urged the international community to create a more representative global financial system and ensure climate justice through effective action on loss and damage.

He also made a strong plea for the "return of stolen assets to their rightful owners," emphasizing it as a key component of financial fairness.