Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant (State Minister Rank) to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Finance speaking as the chief guest at the National Seminar on “Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation and Structural Transformation: Role of Youth and Academia in Economic Transformation” jointly organized by Daffodil International University (DIU) and the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) under the Economic Relations Division (ERD). Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Former President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) was present as the Guest of Honour while Prof. M R Kabir, Vice Chancellor, Daffodil International University along with other distinguished guests are seen in the picture. 

To sensitize students and academia about the opportunities and challenges of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation and to highlight the importance of structural transformation in ensuring sustainable economic growth and resilience as well as to discuss the role of youth and academia in driving innovation, research, and knowledge- sharing for economic transformation Daffodil International University (DIU) and the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) under the Economic Relations Division (ERD) organized National Seminar on “Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation and Structural Transformation: Role of Youth and Academia in Economic Transformation” on today 19 October 2025 (Sunday) at the International Conference Hall of Daffodil International University at Birulia, Savar, Dhaka.

Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant (State Minister Rank) to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Finance, People’s Republic of Bangladesh was as the chief guest and presented Keynote speech at the seminar. Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Former President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) was present as the Guest of Honour while Prof. M R Kabir, Vice Chancellor, Daffodil International University presided over the seminar.

Distinguished Panel discussants were Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Ms. Ferdaus Ara, CEO, Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), Mr. Abdul Baki, Project Adviser (Former Secretary to the Government), SSGP, ERD. The Seminar was also addressed by Professor Dr. Md. Mohammed Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor, Daffodil International University, Mr. A. H. M. Jahangir, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance,

While addressing as the chief guest Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury said, Bangladesh is fully prepared to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, stating that deferral is not possible and the country must move forward. His opinion focuses on the need to transition to a competitive edge without LDC-specific benefits by enhancing productivity through better wages and training, and exploring eco-friendly energy sources. He emphasizes that the country has the capability to succeed, despite challenges, and has outlined a strategy with a high-level monitoring committee to manage the transition and ensure minimal harm.  

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan said, Students and youth have a crucial role in LDC graduation by driving innovation, developing skills for a changing economy, and advocating for inclusive policies to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition. They are not just beneficiaries but active participants who can help a country diversify exports, build a competitive workforce, and contribute to national development goals like becoming an upper-middle or high-income country. 

The organized hoped that the seminar will help to create a platform for interactive dialogue between policymakers, academia, and students and to inspire the younger generation to actively contribute to Bangladesh’s development trajectory post-graduation.