Business leaders and BNP urge Bangladesh to delay LDC graduation to protect exports and stability.

Business leaders and the BNP are urging Bangladesh’s interim government to delay its graduation from Least Developed Country status by three years, citing weak infrastructure, unreliable economic data, and risks to trade and investment. They warn premature exit could harm export competitiveness and economic stability, especially in the garment sector, and are calling for a UN assessment. While supporting labor law reforms, they oppose a provision allowing unions to register with just 20 members, fearing it could lead to ineffective or disruptive unions. A new HSBC Business Development Office in Chattogram’s Mirsarai zone aims to boost foreign investment and trade finance, reflecting growing efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s global manufacturing role.