Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for swift and coordinated efforts to ensure Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, urging all relevant institutions to act with urgency and cohesion.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of the LDC Graduation Committee held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, Prof Yunus underscored the critical importance of synchronised action and institutional readiness.

“This process is fundamentally about coordination,” he said. “We have the attention and backing of investors, donors, and development partners. It is now essential that we accelerate our efforts with focus and urgency.”

He likened the needed approach to that of emergency responders: “We need teams that operate like firefighters—ready to act immediately and stay on task until the challenge is resolved.”

The Chief Adviser assured that his office would actively monitor the implementation of all key initiatives. “The highest level of government will personally oversee the entire process of graduation,” he added.

During the session, the committee identified five priority actions for immediate execution: activating the National Single Window with participation from all agencies; implementing the National Tariff Policy 2023 through a structured action plan; advancing logistics infrastructure under the National Logistics Policy 2024; ensuring operational readiness of the effluent treatment plant at Savar Tannery Village; and achieving full-scale production at the API Park in Munshiganj’s Gajaria.

“These are not routine administrative tasks—they are foundational pillars that will pave the way for graduation and a more inclusive economy,” Prof Yunus said.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, and Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi were present, along with senior committee members and policy advisers.

SMS/