Dhaka, Nov. 16 -- The clock is ticking toward November 2026, when Bangladesh will formally step out of the list of Least Developed Countries after eight years of assessments and repeated reviews by the UN Committee for Development Policy.

That moment should have been a milestone of confidence, signalling that the country is ready to compete on fairer terms in global markets. Yet the mood within the country's key export industries, especially among leaders of the ready-made garment and textile sector, tells a different story.

Instead of celebration, there is uncertainty. Instead of preparedness, there is an air of hesitation. Instead of a united roadmap, there is a widening gap between strategic goals and practical readiness.

At the cen...