Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on the World Trade Organization (WTO) to extend full support to ensure the country’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to a developing nation is not hampered by trade-related setbacks.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of proactive international backing as Bangladesh moves toward graduation, scheduled for late 2026.

Highlighting past experiences of other LDCs that have suffered economic setbacks after losing preferential trade benefits, Yunus urged the WTO to take “meaningful and effective measures” to protect Bangladesh from a similar fate. 

He called for substantive outcomes in the upcoming ministerial conference that would safeguard Bangladesh’s interests during and after the transition period.

In response, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala assured Bangladesh of the WTO’s full cooperation. Stressing the need for reform within the organization itself, she said, “The WTO must be reformed, and I want your active participation. I am counting on your leadership.”

The two sides also discussed broader issues such as WTO reform and emerging challenges in global trade. While acknowledging rising concerns over protectionism and a retreat from globalization, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala noted that global trade remains relatively stable, with approximately 75 percent of transactions still governed by WTO rules.

Professor Yunus concurred on the urgency of reforms, underlining the need for the WTO to adopt a more dynamic and responsive role in an increasingly volatile global trade environment. “This is the moment to embrace challenges,” he said, affirming that Bangladesh is prepared to play a strong and constructive role in driving meaningful change.

The Chief Adviser was accompanied at the meeting by Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, and Chief SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.

SMS/