Trade deal with US to be discussed in parliament, says State Minister Shama

The agreements with the US will be implemented only after ensuring those protect people’s interest, she says

The US trade deal filed during the final days of the previous interim government will be discussed in parliament, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.

She made the remarks on Tuesday at the ministry in response to a question about whether the recently signed trade deal with the US would be discussed prior to its execution.

“This is not just about one agreement. Bangladesh has many agreements with the United States in different areas -- trade and beyond,” she said.

The state minister noted that such agreements have a direct impact on Bangladesh’s economy and the private sector.

“So, we will move forward with implementation only after ensuring that each agreement protects Bangladesh’s interests,” she said.

When asked whether those discussions would take place in parliament, she replied: “Of course. There will be discussions in parliament and outside parliament.”

The agreement followed a turbulent period beginning on Apr 2, 2025, when US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on over 100 countries.

Bangladesh initially faced a 37 percent hike, which was negotiated down to 20 percent by Aug 1.

Combined with existing duties, the total tariff reached 35 percent.

After nine months of talks, the interim government secured a marginal 1 percent reduction in tariffs.

In exchange, Bangladesh committed to purchasing Boeing aircraft and increasing imports of US wheat, cotton, and soybean.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) expressed "stunned" disbelief at the deal.

On Feb 28, CPD Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem questioned how an unelected government could bind a future elected administration to such long-term liabilities.

While former national security advisor Khalilur Rahman claimed the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami had consented to the deal before the elections, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman denied any such consultation took place.

The state minister also confirmed that the government has initiated formal discussions with New Delhi regarding the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence for crimes against humanity during the July Uprising.

"In the month since we took office, we have met the Indian high commissioner multiple times. We have explicitly raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina and others who have fled to India," Shama said.

Regarding the murder of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi, the minister expressed frustration over a 16-day delay in gaining consular access to two suspects arrested in India.

"The home ministry is completing the necessary groundwork. Once finished, we will push India further. Why it is taking this long is a question India must answer," she said.