Published: 01:03 AM, 06 May 2026
BD-US trade agreement should be utilized for mutual benefits: Muktadir
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir holds a meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce. -PID
Emphasizing the importance of utilizing the Bangladesh-United States trade agreement for mutual benefit, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said there is no reason for undue concern regarding the deal.
"Any international agreement is formulated through mutual understanding between two parties. A 'win-win' situation is ensured by taking into account the interests of both sides. Therefore, there is no need for unnecessary concern over this agreement," he said.
The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists following a meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce this morning, said a commerce ministry press release, reports BSS.
Muktadir noted that the present 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 aim to utilize it to its fullest potential to expand trade and investment," he added.
Referring to a recent investigation initiated by the United States, Muktadir said Bangladesh had sought clarification and, based on the response received, conveyed its position and observations. "We have clearly stated that it would have been more positive if such an investigation had not been initiated under the existing agreement framework," he said.
Highlighting Bangladesh's production and trade realities, he said there is no "overcapacity" in any sector in the country, and allegations of dumping are baseless. "We import most of our goods. The products we export, particularly in the ready-made garments sector, are produced under strict international compliance standards. There is no scope for violating labour laws or engaging in child labour," he added.
On the issue of cancelling the agreement, the minister said, "As representatives elected by the people, this government always prioritizes national interest. If any provision of the agreement contradicts Bangladesh's interest, there is scope within the agreement itself to amend it." He described this as a "self-correcting element."
He further noted that the agreement contains provisions for necessary adjustments and revisions, and therefore there is no reason for excessive concern or alarm.
The meeting discussed various issues of mutual interest, including strengthening trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
Commerce Secretary (Routine charge) Md Abdur Rahim Khan was present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday defended Bangladesh's position in its reciprocal trade agreement with the US, urging critics to view the deal in a global context and compare it with similar agreements signed by other countries.
He made the remarks after a meeting with a delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in the capital.
Responding to a question on the conditions of the deal, the foreign minister said open discussion on such agreements is important. "It is very good that there is discussion on this and any agreement should be open to debate."
"We are not the only country to sign such agreements. Other countries around the world have done the same," said the foreign minister.
He cited examples, saying that countries like Indonesia have agreed to even higher numbers of similar provisions.
"So, when you read Bangladesh's agreement, you should read it alongside those of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and others. That way, you will be able to better understand the context," he added, reports UNB.
Responding to a question regarding the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement-stalled since 2011 due to objections from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-the minister said Bangladesh does not want to sit idle waiting for India's initiative.
"Look, a government has not yet been formed in West Bengal and what they are thinking or planning is for them to say. It is not my job to read their minds," he said.
"Of course, there will be expectations that the agreement reached earlier could be reconsidered in the current context. But we cannot remain idle for that we have to carry on with our own work," he added.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir also said on Tuesday that the Bangladesh-US trade agreement should be utilised for mutual benefit, stressing that there is no reason for concern over the deal.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the conference room of his ministry in the morning.
The minister said international agreements are always built on mutual cooperation. "Any international agreement is shaped by both parties. It is designed to create a win-win situation, taking into account the interests of both sides. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about this agreement," he said.
He noted that the current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity.
"A state-level agreement is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. It is a reality, and we want to utilise it to expand trade and investment in the country," Muktadir added.
On the possibility of cancelling the agreement with the US, Muktadir said the government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises national interest.
"If any clause in the agreement goes against Bangladesh's interests, there is scope for amendment within the agreement itself. It has a self-correcting mechanism," he said.
