|| Diplomatic Correspondent: Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques presents credentials as Dhaka seeks UN support for smooth LDC graduation and sustainable development.Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have reaffirmed their long-standing development partnership, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to deepen cooperation as the country prepares for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.The renewed commitment came on Wednesday when the newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative to Bangladesh, Stephen Rodriques, presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.Welcoming the new UNDP chief, the Foreign Minister congratulated Rodriques on his appointment and assured him of Bangladesh's full cooperation in advancing the country's development priorities in partnership with the UN agency.During the meeting, Dr. Rahman praised UNDP's decades-long contribution to Bangladesh's socio-economic transformation, describing the organization as one of the country's most trusted development partners. He noted that UNDP has played a vital role in supporting Bangladesh's progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, governance, climate resilience, digital innovation and institutional capacity building.The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing preparations for its graduation from the LDC category, one of the country's most significant economic milestones in recent history. He expressed optimism that UNDP, along with the broader United Nations system, would continue to assist Bangladesh in addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition period leading up to graduation.Experts believe LDC graduation will open new avenues for trade and investment while also requiring Bangladesh to adapt to changing global economic conditions, making international cooperation increasingly important.In response, Rodriques thanked the Foreign Minister for the warm welcome and reiterated UNDP's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh. He praised the country's remarkable socio-economic achievements over the past decades, saying Bangladesh has emerged as a global example of inclusive growth and sustainable development.He also acknowledged Bangladesh's leadership in promoting sustainable development both at home and internationally, expressing confidence that cooperation between the government and UNDP would continue to expand in the years ahead.The meeting also touched on Bangladesh's growing diplomatic profile. Rodriques congratulated Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), describing the achievement as recognition of Bangladesh's increasing influence and constructive engagement in global affairs.The exchange reflected the close relationship between Bangladesh and the United Nations at a time when the country is seeking stronger international partnerships to sustain economic growth, achieve the SDGs and ensure a smooth transition beyond LDC status. UNDP has been working in Bangladesh for more than five decades, supporting initiatives ranging from democratic governance and climate adaptation to disaster risk reduction, youth empowerment and digital transformation. As Bangladesh enters a new phase of development, both Dhaka and UNDP signaled that their partnership will remain central to achieving the country's long-term development ambitions.