Titumir seeks stronger UN support for LDC graduation

The adviser on finance and planning, made the call during separate meetings with senior UN officials in New York on Tuesday on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026, according to a message received here today. 

He met UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UN-ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja.

During the meetings, Dr. Titumir explained the rationale behind Bangladesh's request for a three-year extension of the preparatory period for LDC graduation to ensure the transition becomes irreversible.

He said the government's democratic mandate has strengthened its reform agenda, focusing on institutional reforms, accountable governance and people-centred development.

The adviser also highlighted the government's Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction (3R) Strategy as the roadmap for restoring economic stability and advancing long-term sustainable development.

Li Junhua reaffirmed the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' continued support for Bangladesh's development journey and pledged cooperation in facilitating the country's LDC transition process.

He also praised the government's Universal Social Security Protection System as an important step towards inclusive development.

UN-ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana reiterated the commission's support for Bangladesh's LDC transition, regional connectivity initiatives and climate resilience efforts.

UNDP Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja also reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's democratic governance, institutional reforms and sustainable development priorities, reports BSS.