Business Desk:
Emphasizing the use of the trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US for mutual benefit, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said, “Any international agreement is developed by the coordination of the two parties. In this, a ‘win-win’ situation is created by keeping in mind the interests of both parties. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about this agreement.”
He 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 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 state continuity. “No agreement concluded between states is like a private agreement that can be canceled at will. This is a reality and we want to make the most of it to expand the country’s trade and investment.”
He also said that an investigation process has recently been initiated by the United States, 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 initiated 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 in any field and the allegations that Bangladesh is dumping are also baseless. “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,” he added.
On the question of the cancellation of 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 an 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 further said, “The agreement contains the 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) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan Esam was also present.
