Friday, 10 October, 2025
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure a smooth transition for Bangladesh as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by late 2026.
Prof Yunus raised the issue during a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He requested the WTO’s active role in the upcoming Ministerial Conference to safeguard countries on the path to LDC graduation from potential losses in trade concessions or preferential market access.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assured her full support and highlighted that, despite rising protectionism and concerns over a retreat from globalisation, about 75 percent of world trade still operates under WTO rules. She also sought Bangladesh’s engagement in advancing key reforms within the Geneva-based organisation, stating, “The WTO must reform. I need your active engagement. I want your leadership here.”
Prof Yunus echoed the call for comprehensive reforms, emphasising that the WTO must adapt to remain effective in a rapidly changing global trade environment. “It is time to take up the challenge,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is ready to support meaningful change.
Also present at the meeting were Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed.
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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure a smooth transition for Bangladesh as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by late 2026.
Prof Yunus raised the issue during a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He requested the WTO’s active role in the upcoming Ministerial Conference to safeguard countries on the path to LDC graduation from potential losses in trade concessions or preferential market access.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assured her full support and highlighted that, despite rising protectionism and concerns over a retreat from globalisation, about 75 percent of world trade still operates under WTO rules. She also sought Bangladesh’s engagement in advancing key reforms within the Geneva-based organisation, stating, “The WTO must reform. I need your active engagement. I want your leadership here.”
Prof Yunus echoed the call for comprehensive reforms, emphasising that the WTO must adapt to remain effective in a rapidly changing global trade environment. “It is time to take up the challenge,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is ready to support meaningful change.
Also present at the meeting were Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed.
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