Photo : ICCB

DHAKA, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh needs to speed up structural reforms, 
strengthen macroeconomic stability and deepen public-private collaboration to 
sustain growth and remain competitive after graduating from the Least 
Developed Country (LDC) category, ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman 
said today.

Speaking at the 31st Annual Council of the International Chamber of Commerce-
Bangladesh (ICCB) at a hotel in the city, Rahman said the country is at a 
defining stage of its economic journey, requiring bold and timely policy 
measures to address mounting domestic and external challenges while 
capitalizing on emerging opportunities, said a press release.

He noted that Bangladesh's economy grew by around 3.7 percent in 2025 amid 
weaker industrial activity, tighter macroeconomic policies, energy shortages 
and subdued private investment. 

However, resilient exports and record remittance inflows of US$32.8 billion 
helped support the external sector and domestic demand, while agriculture and 
services continued to underpin economic stability.

Citing IMF projections, Rahman said Bangladesh's economy is expected to 
expand by about 4.7 percent in 2026, with stronger medium-term growth 
possible if macroeconomic stability is maintained and structural reforms 
continue. 

He identified the country's strategic location, expanding infrastructure, 
large domestic market and entrepreneurial base as key strengths, alongside 
emerging sectors such as the blue economy, renewable energy, green 
infrastructure, the digital economy and tourism.

To unlock this potential, Rahman stressed the need to curb inflation, 
strengthen the banking and financial sector, ensure long-term energy 
security, mobilize domestic revenue, improve debt management and restore 
private-sector confidence. 

He also urged Bangladesh to conclude Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) 
and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to preserve export competitiveness after LDC 
graduation.

Highlighting infrastructure as a catalyst for growth, he proposed 
constructing a modern elevated expressway between Dhaka and Chattogram, 
describing it as a transformative project that could improve logistics 
efficiency, reduce transport costs, boost exports and attract greater 
domestic and foreign investment. 

He also called on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the initiative 
through financing and technical assistance.

Rahman warned that geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, rising 
protectionism and policy uncertainty continue to weigh on global trade and 
investment, reinforcing the need for Bangladesh to diversify exports and 
build resilience against external shocks.

He expressed confidence that prudent macroeconomic management, stronger 
institutions, improved governance and closer government-private sector 
collaboration would enable Bangladesh to overcome current challenges and 
emerge as one of Asia's leading economic success stories.

The ICCB annual council was attended by senior government representatives, 
diplomats, development partners, business leaders and executives from leading 
financial institutions and corporate organizations.