LDC 2029: Graduation Deferral Monitor

The decision, step by step

1. Nov 2021 UN General Assembly resolution 76/8 sets Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC category for 24 November 2026, after a five-year preparatory period granted in light of COVID-19. done
2. 18 Feb 2026 The government formally requests a three-year extension of the preparatory period, to 24 November 2029, under the crisis-response provision of the CDP's enhanced monitoring mechanism. done
3. May 2026 The Committee for Development Policy's crisis assessment concludes that an extension “would be appropriate, provided that, during this period, Bangladesh advances significantly on domestic reforms aimed at addressing its persistent structural vulnerabilities.” The Committee does not endorse the three-year length: it finds that “a shorter extension of the preparatory period would appear more conducive for a sustainable graduation.” Reported 1-2 June 2026. done
4. 21 Jul 2026 ECOSOC adopts decision E/2026/L.24. It takes note of the Committee's conclusions and suggested courses of action, and recommends that the General Assembly take action on the matter before 24 November 2026. The same decision covers Nepal's parallel request. done
5. By 24 Nov 2026 The General Assembly takes the final decision. Only the Assembly can extend the preparatory period; until it acts, the scheduled graduation date remains 24 November 2026. pending

While the preparatory period runs, Bangladesh remains an LDC and keeps LDC-specific support measures: preferential market access (including EU Everything But Arms), the TRIPS pharmaceuticals transition period, and concessional windows.

What to watch next

• The General Assembly takes the final decision, and ECOSOC has asked it to act before 24 November 2026. The length is the live question: Bangladesh asked for three years, and the Committee for Development Policy said a shorter extension would serve a sustainable graduation better.
• This is the last extension on offer. The Committee stated it “does not foresee any possibility of supporting any subsequent request for an extension by the Government of Bangladesh.”
• The FY2026-27 budget passed on 30 June 2026. How much of its revenue target is actually collected is the first fiscal test of the tax and domestic-resource-mobilisation condition; see the revenue credibility analysis.