Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed that the meeting focused on the implementation progress of 16 key decisions related to LDC graduation.

Various government bodies are involved in executing these measures: National Board of Revenue (NBR) is handling four, Ministry of Industries three, Economic Relations Department two, Ministry of Commerce three and the Chief Adviser’s Office four.

During the meeting, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan reported on the progress of the National Single Window initiative, which now includes 19 participating agencies, with additional entities being integrated.

He also briefed the Chief Adviser on the implementation roadmap for the Tariff Policy 2023.

Key topics of discussion included expanding export incentives beyond the ready-made garment sector, as well as providing duty-free import facilities for raw materials and machinery related to man-made fibers.

Participants also reviewed the operational status of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) in Tanari Village, Savar and the upcoming full-scale launch of API Park in Gazaria, Munshiganj. Updates on revisions to the Industrial Policy 2022 were also shared.

Highlighting the country’s untapped potential in the leather industry, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus expressed disappointment at the sector’s underperformance.

“We were supposed to benefit economically from this industry, but that did not happen,” he said, instructing that a separate meeting be convened to address challenges in the leather sector.

He also called for a follow-up meeting within two months to explore actionable strategies for Bangladesh’s smooth and sustainable transition from LDC status.

“We must act in our own economic interest,” Prof Yunus emphasized. “That means changing outdated policies and laws that hinder progress. These are fundamental steps we need to take to secure our future as a developing nation.”

The meeting was attended by several high-level officials, including Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and secretaries from various ministries.