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Published : 24 Jul 2025, 02:54 PM
Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin says he could join last-minute negotiations with the US on its tariff policy online.
The interim government had previously spoken about its intention to visit the US for another round of talks before the 35 percent additional tariff imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration takes effect on Aug 1, 2025.
On Thursday, journalists asked Commerce Advisor Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat for an update on the tariff negotiations.
In response, he repeated: “I am optimistic about a positive outcome in the negotiations. In view of our request, the United States has scheduled an online meeting tomorrow. Perhaps the topic of going there will come up in that meeting.”
A delegation from Bangladesh has already visited the United States in at least two phases to discuss an easing of the tariff. The delegation included an advisor and a representative from the Chief Advisor’s Office.
Bashir Uddin says he rejects the “propaganda” stating that Bangladesh’s interests are being undermined in the tariff negotiations.
One journalist spoke of social media posts suggesting that the negotiations were opening up opportunities and agreements for the US at the expense of Bangladesh’s interests.
In response, Bashir Uddin said: "It doesn't seem realistic to me that the mainstream media will raise questions based on social media campaigns. Like you, I am also a Bangladeshi. Why would we work to undermine Bangladesh's interests? Then there would be no need for an inter-ministerial meeting. We would have just accepted the circumstances and done our work.”
Asked about the looming tariffs, the commerce advisor said: "Like you, I am also curious and interested in this matter. I may get a set time for an online meeting later today. The next steps will be decided after the meeting."
The advisor opined that hiring lobbyists on issues such as supplementary tariffs between nations does not yield good results.
He said, "The United States has highlighted its national emergency by taking these steps. I don't know if lobbyists could do so given the framework within which these events are taking place.”
“We need to bring about changes on different matters. No one except the Bangladesh government will understand those changes.”
Bashir Uddin said, “There are many inter-ministerial legal processes here. I think it is not possible for a lobbyist to understand those processes. For the last 15 days, all the ministries of our government have been working together. Now, if we get their invitation, we will present our position."
