Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has said the government is seeking a three-year deferment in Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, though prospects for approval remain uncertain.

Speaking at a workshop in Dhaka on Tuesday, he noted that major partners, including the United States and India, are opposing the move. The event, on U.S. reciprocal tariffs and LDC graduation, was organized by the think tank RAPID at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Economic Reporters Forum President Doulat Akter Mala attended as the guest of honour, while RAPID Chairman M. A. Razzaque presented a report warning of potential export losses in the U.S. market due to reciprocal tariffs.

According to the study, Bangladesh’s exports to the U.S. could fall by 14% in the next year. Competing nations may face steeper declines, with China’s exports projected to drop by 58%, India’s by 48%, Vietnam’s by 28% and Indonesia’s by 27%.

The discussion was moderated by RAPID’s Executive Director M. Abu Eusuf.