Bangladesh is not yet fully prepared to absorb the impact of graduating from least-developed country status, economists and business leaders said on Tuesday.

They spoke at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as the deadline for United Nations certification approaches.

Participants said sectors such as banking, finance and manufacturing will face challenges after the loss of preferential trade benefits and rising global competition following graduation in November 2026.

They said the transition could strain the financial system without timely reforms and adequate preparation.

The discussion, titled Implications of LDC Graduation for the Banking Industry: Bangladesh Perspective, was organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur attended the event as chief guest. He said development progress and LDC graduation should be viewed as linked processes.

Mansur said reforms are needed to improve efficiency, logistics and infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of restoring macroeconomic stability by reducing inflation and interest rates.

He said development partners have treated the country as a developing economy since 2015.

ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman said graduation would lead to the gradual loss of preferential market access, concessional financing and policy flexibility.

He said the changes would place new pressure on the economy and the financial system.

Bankers, corporate executives and representatives of development agencies attended the event.

The country is scheduled to graduate from LDC status following UN certification in 2026.