Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has underscored the need for Bangladesh to achieve self-sufficiency rather than merely focusing on graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

“We must be clear that we no longer want to remain dependent on others. We have to become self-reliant,” he said while presiding over a meeting of the National Steering Committee formed to implement and monitor the country’s smooth and sustainable LDC transition strategy. 

The meeting was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka’s Tejgaon area on Wednesday.

Professor Yunus stressed that while LDC graduation is a milestone, Bangladesh’s true goal should be building a self-reliant economy free from dependence. “Since we are still dependent, our focus should be on moving away from it as soon as possible. There is no other option,” he added.

Speaking about the nation’s potential, Yunus said Bangladesh has the capability to stand on its own feet, with youth and creativity as key strengths. “We must use our intellect, work hard, and struggle. Though it may be difficult, there is joy in this effort. When we talk about a new Bangladesh, it means a self-reliant Bangladesh,” he said.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later briefed reporters about the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy.

Among those present were Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Agriculture Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and senior government officials.

Leaders from key business bodies — including BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries President Abdul Muktadir — also joined the meeting.

SMS/