New York, Sep 23 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide comprehensive support to Bangladesh as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

He made the appeal during a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly at UN Headquarters on Tuesday. Dr. Yunus urged the WTO chief to play a proactive role at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference, ensuring that graduating LDCs are not disadvantaged by the withdrawal of trade preferences or duty-free market access.

The WTO Director-General assured Bangladesh of full support, noting that Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status is scheduled for 2026.

Their discussions also covered the prospects of WTO reform amid growing concerns over protectionist policies and a potential retreat from globalization. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that while challenges remain, about 75 percent of world trade is still governed by WTO rules, underscoring the organization’s relevance.

“The WTO must be reformed. I want your active participation. I want your leadership here,”
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General.

Professor Yunus endorsed the call for reform, stressing that the WTO must adapt to lead in a fast-changing global trading environment.

“The organization must adapt to provide effective leadership in a rapidly changing global trading environment. Now is the time to take up the challenge. Bangladesh is ready to raise its voice for meaningful change,”
— Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor.

Also present at the meeting were Energy and Transport Advisor Fawzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui, and SDG Coordinator & Senior Secretary Lamia Morshed.

END/SMA/AJ