Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said securing new economic partnerships and sustaining Bangladesh’s growth trajectory are now the top priorities of the government as Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026.

“In 2026, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. This transition marks a milestone in our economic and diplomatic journey,” he said while speaking at an iftar-dinner event on Wednesday evening.

The Foreign Secretary said diplomatic efforts are crucial for attracting international investments, enhancing multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships with developed nations.

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“In this pursuit, DCAB’s role is invaluable in ensuring credible diplomatic initiatives and creating public awareness of our diplomatic affairs. Your unbiased and fact-based journalism is also vital for our policymakers,” he said.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event marking its 27th founding anniversary. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain joined the event as the chief guest.

Former Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and acting envoys CDAs stationed in Dhaka, including Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, European Union (EU) Michael Miller, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, German Ambassador Achim Troster, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Switzerland’s Ambassador Reto Renggli, senior journalists, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and DCAB Members were present.

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DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.

The Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh has long been playing a leading role in various areas, including climate diplomacy, peacekeeping, women empowerment and migration.

“Our country has always advocated for peaceful solutions to conflicts in collaboration with the international community,” he said, adding that diplomatic journalists can play a key role in showcasing Bangladesh's efforts on these issues to the global audience.

Since its inception, the Foreign Secretary said, DCAB has been playing a vital role in the development of diplomatic journalism.

He said journalism is not just a means of disseminating information; it serves as a crucial bridge between diplomatic efforts and the people.

In the face of current global challenges, the Foreign Secretary said, diplomatic journalism is even becoming increasingly important.

“Issues such as climate change, geopolitics, global economic shifts, migration crises, etc. require accurate information and analysis, making journalists' roles indispensable,” Jashim said, expecting that diplomatic journalists will play a more active role in strengthening Bangladesh's position in the international arena.

He said the unprecedented advancement of information technology has led to a rise of misinformation and misleading propaganda.

Certain domestic and foreign corners are deliberately attempting to tarnish Bangladesh’s image, said the Foreign Secretary, adding that such disinformation not only weakens international confidence in Bangladesh but also negatively impacts our economy, investment, and global relations.

“We must remain vigilant against such propaganda,” he said.

The Foreign Secretary said he firmly believes that as part of their professional responsibility, journalists can and will counter these challenges by verifying and disseminating truthful information.

“As diplomatic journalists, you have taken on a special duty to check facts, cross-verify sources, and ensure accurate reporting on international affairs,” he said, hoping that their mutual cooperation and understanding will continue in the future.

DCAB President Moinuddin said for the past 27 years, DCAB has been at the forefront of promoting mutual understanding between Bangladesh and other nations—bilaterally, regionally and globally—through objective reporting by its members on complex issues.

"As we move forward, DCAB members will continue their role in safeguarding our national interests, upholding objectivity during challenging times, and raising awareness among both the public and policymakers," he said.

As Bangladesh advances toward a stronger democracy and a more inclusive society, the DCAB president said they are renewing their commitment to enhancing their professional capacity.

"Let us hope for a peaceful and inclusive democratic transition in Bangladesh, which is essential for our nation’s long-term stability and success," he said.

Hosting an Iftar has long been a cherished tradition for DCAB, and this year, as Ramadan aligns with its anniversary (originally falls on March 16), DCAB combined both occasions on Wednesday evening.