Desk Report:
Emphasizing on using the trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US for mutual benefit, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that any international agreement is developed in coordination with the two parties. In this, a ‘win-win’ situation is created by keeping in mind the interests of both parties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about this agreement, the minister said.
The minister said these things in response to questions from journalists after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
The Commerce Minister said that the current government is not the initiator of this agreement, but has inherited it as part of the state continuity. Any agreement concluded between states is not like a personal agreement that can be canceled at will. This is a reality and we want to use it fruitfully to expand the country’s trade and investment.
He also said that an investigation has recently been started by the US, regarding which Bangladesh has sought an explanation and has expressed its position and observations in the light of the explanation received. The minister said, we have clearly stated that it would have been more positive if such an investigation had not been started in the context of the existing agreement.
Highlighting the production and trade reality of Bangladesh, he said that there is no ‘overcapacity’ in the country and the allegations that Bangladesh is dumping are also baseless. The commerce minister said, we import most of the products. The ones that we export, especially the ready-made garment sector, are operated in strict international compliance. There is no scope for violation of labor laws or child labor there, he added.
On the question of canceling the agreement, the commerce minister said, this government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritizes the interests of the country. If any clause of any agreement is against the interests of Bangladesh, there is an opportunity to amend it within that agreement. He referred to it as a ‘self-correcting element’.
The minister also said that the agreement itself has necessary provisions for amendment or adjustment. Therefore, there is no reason for additional concern or panic about it.
The meeting discussed various issues of mutual interest, including strengthening Bangladesh-US trade and investment relations.
Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan was present at the time.
