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DHAKA, March 29, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh has called for a fundamental pivot in the World Trade Organization’s reform agenda, demanding that the interests of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) be placed at the center of the MC14 deliberations in Yaoundé. 

The Bangladesh delegation, led by the Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, actively participated in the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), said a press release. 

On May 27, Muktadir joined day-long deliberations on WTO reform, highlighting the nation’s priorities concerning decision-making, development, and the establishment of a level playing field.

In his interventions, the Minister underscored that the WTO should remain firmly anchored to its founding principles, including transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness. 

He emphasized that adherence to these principles is essential to maintain trust and credibility in the multilateral trading system. 

This, he noted, would be critical in ensuring that future reforms deliver balanced and development-oriented outcomes for all members.

The Minister also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, emphasizing that the WTO remains “relevant, important and essential” amid rising trade fragmentation, unilateral measures, and uncertainty that disproportionately affect Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and developing economies.

During the decision-making session, Bangladesh underscored the importance of preserving consensus-based decision-making as a key safeguard for LDCs and developing countries, ensuring inclusivity and balance.

 He cautioned that any dilution of this principle could deepen existing asymmetries.

On development, Bangladesh stressed that WTO reforms must deliver tangible outcomes. 

The Minister called for the fulfillment of long-standing mandates, particularly Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT), which he described as treaty-embedded rights essential for bridging development gaps.

He further underscored that existing S&DT provisions should be preserved, as any dilution or replacement could lead to discrimination among developing countries, including LDCs. He also  emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of unimplemented commitments to ensure meaningful development results.

In discussions on level playing field, Bangladesh highlighted the need to address structural asymmetries embedded in WTO agreements to ensure fairness in global trade. 

The Minister also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to transparency, noting that obligations should align with national capacities. 

He also emphasized that MC14 outcomes should guide a balanced, inclusive, and development-oriented post-MC14 reform process.