To safeguard Bangladesh’s export competitiveness, the government has formed a high-level inter-ministerial committee as the country prepares to graduate from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category on 24 November 2026.

This move came in response to the impending loss of eligibility for export-dependent subsidies and direct cash incentives, which will no longer be permitted under international trade regulations following LDC graduation.

Recognising the significance of this transition, the Ministry of Finance, under the direction of the competent authorities, constituted a committee to review how Bangladesh can build long-term resilience and competitiveness in four priority sectors: leather and leather goods, jute and jute products, agricultural and agro-processed products, and pharmaceuticals.

These sectors have been identified as promising areas for export growth in the post-LDC era.

The initial committee has already submitted a comprehensive report outlining various policy recommendations to strengthen these sectors.

In light of the findings, the government has now established a follow-up committee mandated to evaluate the proposals and identify which forms of support are realistically deliverable, based on national capacity and available resources.

The committee is also tasked with drawing up a time-bound action plan for implementing the support measures and ensuring coordination across relevant ministries and agencies.

The newly formed committee is headed by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser and includes senior policymakers such as the Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Secretaries from the Finance Division, Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Industries, Agriculture, Textiles and Jute, and Health; the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue; and the heads of relevant regulatory and promotional bodies including the BSTI, Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), BSCIC, and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

The Director General of the Chief Adviser’s Office will serve as the Member Secretary.

The committee has been authorised to monitor and evaluate the progress of implementation efforts, intervene when necessary to ensure timelines are met, and, if required, recommend additional forms of support beyond those included in the original report.

It may also co-opt additional members to assist in carrying out its responsibilities.