Bangladesh–US trade deal to be leveraged for mutual benefit: Commerce Minister

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has stressed the need to utilise the Bangladesh–United States trade agreement in a way that serves mutual interests, assuring that there is no cause for undue concern.

“Any international agreement is built on coordination between two parties. It takes into account the interests of both sides to create a ‘win-win’ situation. Therefore, there is no reason for unnecessary anxiety over this agreement,” he said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (5 May) while responding to questions from journalists after a meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce.

The minister said the current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity. “An agreement between states is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. It is a reality, and we want to utilise it to the fullest extent to expand the country’s trade and investment,” he said.

He also noted that the United States has recently initiated an investigation, on which Bangladesh sought clarification. Based on the explanation received, Dhaka has communicated its position and observations. “We have clearly stated that, in the context of the existing agreement, it would have been more constructive had such an investigation not been initiated,” he added.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s production and trade landscape, the minister said there is no overcapacity in any sector and allegations of dumping are unfounded. “We import most of our goods. Those we export—particularly from the ready-made garment sector—are produced under strict international compliance. There is no scope for labour law violations or child labour,” he said.

On the question of cancelling the agreement, he said the government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises national interests. “If any provision of the agreement is found to be contrary to Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope within the deal itself to amend it,” he said, describing it as a “self-correcting element”.

“The agreement already contains provisions for revision or adjustment where necessary. Therefore, there is no reason for excessive concern or alarm,” he added.

The meeting also discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and the United States.

Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, was present at the meeting.