Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to extend full support to Bangladesh in ensuring a smooth transition as the country prepares to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) status in 2026.
Yunus raised the issue during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York.
He requested the WTO chief’s role in the upcoming Ministerial Conference to secure a meaningful outcome for graduating LDCs, stressing that Bangladesh and others should not be disadvantaged by the loss of trade concessions or preferential market access in developed economies.
The WTO DG assured Bangladesh of her full support.
Their discussion also focused on long-awaited WTO reforms and pressing global trade challenges, amid heightened concerns over protectionism and a potential retreat from globalisation. Okonjo-Iweala noted that despite such worries, 75% of global trade continues to be governed by WTO rules.
She sought Bangladesh’s backing for advancing reforms at the Geneva-based organisation:
“The WTO must reform. I need your active engagement. I want your leadership here.”
Yunus echoed the call, saying:
“It is time to take up the challenge. Bangladesh is prepared to raise its voice in support of meaningful change.”
Also present at the meeting were Energy and Transport Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed.
