DHAKA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh is celebrating the country's historic achievement of being eligible for United Nations' developing country status.
On Thursday morning, Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division accorded a reception to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu International Conference Center, also known as Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, in capital Dhaka.
During the reception, Bangladeshi Finance Minister AMA Muhith handed over her the letter of recognition the United Nations conveyed last week on the country's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) group to developing one.
In the afternoon, jubilant processions were brought out in capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Eminent personalities and dignitaries, among others, have joined the processions.
As part of celebrations, a colorful cultural show will take place Thursday night where prime minister will be present as the chief guest.
There will also be a seven-minute laser show and 12-minute firework display.
The festivity for LDC graduation eligibility will continue for a week across the country, parts of which have been adorned with festoons, posters, banners and colourful flags.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate message, felicitating the countrymen for their contributions to the achievement of the country, the state-run news agency BSS reported.
They also hoped that the people would continue their efforts and supports to make this development sustainable.
Newspapers and online news portals have published exclusive articles and special supplements, highlighting the importance of the great the achievement of the nation.
Radios and television channels are also broadcasting special programs on this occasion.
Bangladesh has recently officially received the confirmation letter from UN's Committee for Development Policy about attaining the three graduation criteria to consider for graduation from the group of least developed countries to a developing one.
According to the UN's graduation thresholds set at the triennial review in 2015, gross national income (GNI) per capita of a country has to be 1,242 U.S. dollars or above.
Bangladesh's GNI per capita rose to 1,610 U.S. dollars at the end of fiscal year 2016-17 (July 2016-June 2017).
Apart from this, on the other two indexes -- human assets and economic vulnerability -- a country has to score 66 or above and 32 or below respectively.
Bangladesh's score in the human assets index reportedly stood at 72.9 and the economic vulnerability index is 24.8, meaning the country meets all the criteria.
Bangladesh's final graduation from the LDC category will be declared by the UN in 2024. Till then the country will have to maintain stability in the thresholds for the three indices.
