Bangladesh has sought an extended preparatory period before graduating from least developed country (LDC) status, emphasizing that additional time would help ensure a smooth, sustainable transition and foster a resilient post-graduation economy.

"For Bangladesh, an extended preparatory period will support a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation and a resilient post-graduation economy," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir stated at the annual ministerial meeting of LDC foreign ministers at UN headquarters in New York on Friday early night (Bangladesh Time), according to a formal message received here.

He requested the LDC Group's continued backing as Bangladesh's proposal is evaluated by the UN General Assembly.

Humaiun Kobir explained that graduating nations require supplemental time to preserve macroeconomic stability, execute critical structural reforms, and implement effective transition strategies.

Looking ahead to the mid-term review of the Doha Programme of Action, he outlined six primary priorities for LDCs.

These include reversing the downturn in official development assistance (ODA), expanding concessional financing options, enhancing international market access, and securing predictable climate finance for adaptation as well as loss and damage.

Furthermore, he called for intensified global cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and recover stolen assets, alongside targeted support for industrialisation, technology transfer, and digital inclusion.

"Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, debt distress, declining ODA, food and energy insecurity and climate crisis are testing our resilience," Humaiun Kobir remarked.

He observed that LDC economic growth remains below the seven-percent benchmark, pointing to projections of 4.6 percent in 2026 and five percent in 2027.

The state minister highlighted that Bangladesh's "3R" strategy -- Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction -- aims to establish a solid framework for long-term sustainable development.

He concluded by thanking Nepal for its leadership as LDC Group chair, conveying solidarity with the nation following a recent natural disaster, and welcoming The Gambia as the incoming chair.