File Photo

DHAKA, July 14, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim
Saki today called for stronger international support, including grants,
concessional financing and technology transfer, to help Bangladesh accelerate
the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering Bangladesh's country statement at the General Debate of the High-
Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026 at the United
Nations Headquarters in New York, Zonayed Saki said the country remains
firmly committed to achieving the SDGs despite significant economic and
financial challenges.

He said Bangladesh joined the forum with a renewed mandate from its people
following the February national election and that the new government had
adopted a "3R Strategy" - Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction - to
restore economic stability, rebuild institutions and lay the foundation for
sustainable development.

The state minister said Bangladesh faces an annual SDG financing gap of more
than US$132 billion until 2030, particularly in clean energy, economic growth
and infrastructure.

He also highlighted the continued burden of hosting around 1.3 million
Rohingyas, noting that the humanitarian response faces a 37 percent funding
gap, including an immediate shortfall of about US$261 million.

Despite these challenges, Zonayed Saki said Bangladesh has continued making
progress in reducing extreme poverty, achieving near-universal primary school
enrolment and strengthening climate resilience.

He said the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,
is pursuing a transformative development agenda aligned with the Five-Year
Strategic Framework, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and
preparations for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Highlighting the government's priorities, Zonayed Saki said Bangladesh plans
to increase public spending on education and health to 5 percent of GDP.

He said the government will dredge 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals
over the next five years to improve water security, reduce flood risks and
restore ecosystems.

The state minister also announced plans to plant 250 million saplings, expand
renewable energy, promote green industries and sustainable transport, and
develop a carbon market to mobilise green investment and carbon-credit
opportunities.

He said the government is strengthening domestic resource mobilisation to
expand social protection and promote inclusive development through a
universal life-cycle-based social security programme with a special focus on
women.

Zonayed Saki also said the newly introduced Farmers Card initiative will
strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security and improve agricultural
productivity.

Concluding his statement, the state minister urged development partners to
enhance financial and technical support for Bangladesh's sustainable
development efforts, reaffirming the country's commitment to reform, invest
and deliver on the SDGs while ensuring that no one is left behind.