Bangladesh has been elected chairman of the coordination council of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed formally took over the charge of the 50-member LDC forum from outgoing chairman Moussa Okanla, foreign minister of Benin, on Friday.

The coordination council of LDCs was constituted in 2001. Benin was first elected for the post of chairman.

In 2006, the LDC ministerial meeting decided that next chairman would be elected from Asia.

But Bangladesh and Nepal both aspired for the post creating stalemate in electing the next chairman. Finally, foreign ministers of 50 LDCs extended total support to Bangladesh’s candidature.

Assuming the chairmanship, Iftekhar said the first challenge before them is implementation of the Brussels programme on the LDCs, adopted unanimously by the international community in 2001.

He hoped that LDC products would get free access to developed countries. He also said alongside the fulfilment of developed nations’ commitments, targets for removing poverty and attaining economic progress should be fulfilled.

Iftekhar assured that Bangladesh would attach highest priority to uphold the interest of LDCs.

Talking to media, the foreign adviser expressed his happiness for being elected to lead the group of 50 LDCs. “It’s a challenge too. I am aware of its immense responsibility and I firmly believe that we have that ability,” he said.