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Bangladesh has called for the United Nations to establish an international debt relief mechanism to assist developing countries grappling with increasing fiscal challenges stemming from global crises. The nation also seeks support for a three-year extension of its preparatory period before graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

These critical issues were raised during high-level meetings at the UN Headquarters in New York, where Bangladeshi ministers were actively engaged in diplomatic efforts ahead of the country's planned LDC graduation. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the finance and planning adviser, urged the UN to implement a global framework for debt restructuring, relief, suspension, and sustainable solutions. He emphasized the need to protect investments in crucial sectors like children's welfare, women's empowerment, education, health, and social protection.

During a meeting with Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Titumir made his appeal. Chaiban congratulated Bangladesh's newly elected government and acknowledged the country's upcoming presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, Planning State Minister Zonayed Saki presented the government's "One Child, One Card, One Number and One Wallet" strategy, designed to enhance birth registration, school enrollment, and access to public services.

Separately, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir held bilateral discussions with ECOSOC President Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa of Nepal and ECOSOC Vice-President Ambassador Amar Bendjama of Algeria. In these meetings, the minister formally sought international backing for Bangladesh's request to extend its LDC graduation preparatory period until November 2029. This extension is seen as vital for ensuring a smooth transition and continued development support.

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an international mechanism for debt restructuring, debt relief, debt suspension and sustainable debt solutions to protect investments in children, women, education, health and social protection.