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Published : 05 May 2026, 02:07 PM
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir says there is “no need for unnecessary concern” over the much-discussed and criticised trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, which was signed in the very last moment of the interim government’s tenure.
According to him, “Any international agreement is formed through coordination between two parties. The interests of both sides are taken into consideration to create a win-win situation.
“So, there is no reason for unnecessary concern over this agreement.”
The Ministry of Commerce said in a press release that the minister made these remarks on Tuesday while responding to journalists after a meeting at the ministry’s conference room with Brendan Lynch, assistant us trade representative for South and Central Asia.
Lynch is visiting Dhaka amid various government initiatives and widespread criticism surrounding the implementation of the so-called reciprocal trade agreement, or ART, with the United States.
The delegation led by him will stay in Dhaka from May 5 to May 7.
On Feb 9, three days before the 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus signed the trade agreement with the United States. Reports say the agreement contains 131 conditions that Bangladesh must comply with, while the United States must fulfil only six.
Amid widespread debate and criticism over the agreement, which the interim government signed to avoid additional supplementary tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, a writ petition was filed in the High Court in Dhaka on Monday challenging its legality.
Lawyer Mohammad Maidul Islam Polok submitted the petition in the public interest a day before the arrival of the US delegation.
Describing the trade agreement with the United States as “clearly unreasonable and structurally unequal,” the writ petition stated that it is not only contrary to Bangladesh’s national interests, but also harmful to ordinary people.
Despite these reports, the writ petition, and extensive public debate, the commerce minister openly expressed the government’s intention to continue with the agreement in some form.
After the meeting with the US trade representative, the minister said: “The current government did not initiate this agreement, but inherited it as part of state continuity. An agreement concluded between states is not like a personal contract that can be scrapped on a whim.”
“This is a reality, and we want to use it productively to expand the country’s trade and investment.”
He further added that the United States had recently initiated an investigation process, regarding which Bangladesh sought clarification, and after receiving the explanation, conveyed its own position and observations.
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.”
Referring to Bangladesh’s production and trade realities, he said, “There is no overcapacity in any sector in the country, and allegations that Bangladesh engages in dumping are baseless.”
Muktadir added, “We import most products. The items we export, especially the ready-made garments sector, operate under strict international compliance. There is no scope for violation of labour laws or the use of child labour.”
Regarding the debate over scrapping the agreement, the minister said: “This government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises the country’s interests.”
“If any clause of an agreement goes against Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope for amendment within the agreement itself.”
He described this as a “self-correcting element.”
The minister further said, “The agreement itself contains the necessary provisions for revision or adjustment. Therefore, there is nothing to worry excessively or panic over.”
The meeting also discussed strengthening Bangladesh-US trade and investment relations, along with various issues of mutual interest.
