United News of Bangladesh

The United States has reaffirmed that they are committed to working with Bangladesh to promote peace and stability in the region. The two countries discussed the interim government’s efforts ahead of the next national election in Bangladesh and growing trade and commercial ties.  US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce made the remarks over the recent meeting held between National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the State Department in Washington, DC. “Deputy Secretary Landau met Bangladesh National Security Adviser Rahman and discussed the interim government’s efforts ahead of the national elections. They discussed the US-Bangladesh relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties,” Bruce said in a regular media briefing at the State Department on June 20.  Bangladesh, China, Pakistan pledge to deepen trilateral cooperation The US Deputy Secretary of State praised the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a critical juncture for Bangladesh and reaffirmed continued US support for the country, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing after the meeting between Dr Rahman and the Deputy Secretary of State. They discussed the Rohingya crisis, ongoing tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the US, developments in South Asia, and Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

Bangladesh needs to create a strong lobby with the USA to cope up with the changed situation in the trade, said the special assistant to the finance ministry on Saturday. “The USA will administer the world trade so we have to create strong lobby with US and we have to bring out a new traction to cope up with the changed situation”, said Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant for Finance Ministry while addressing a roundtable in the city, organised by International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB). IBFB President Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan chaired the discussion titled “Revamping USA-Bangladesh Trade” while it was addressed by Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Syed Ershad Ahmed, president, American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, and Mahfuz Kabir, director, Research, Bangladesh International institute of Strategy Studies (BIISS). Zaidi Sattar, chairman & CEO, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) presented a keynote paper on the occasion. Addressing the session, Anisuzzaman stressed the need to have policy coordination, policy independence and to find out effective ways of negotiation to tackle the challenges in world trade. “International circumstances are now different, we have to build self-confidence and ultimately we have to bring diversification in our economy. The government will form a specialized trade negotiation body ahead of graduation”, he added.     NBR split logical, protests regrettable: Prof Abu Ahmed Noted economist Zaidi, in his keynote, mentioned as baseline tariff currently there is a flat 10% across all imports which is shocking. He said the variable tariff rates applied to top 60 trading partners and higher tariffs imposed on nations considered "Worst Trade Offenders". US Tariff on China 30% & China Tariff on US is 10% while 25% for Canada and Mexico. Suggesting to go for negotiation strategy, he said engaging U.S. to reduce tariffs on key U.S. export items like agri-products, machinery, autos, he said focusing on low-revenue items (cotton, scrap metal tariffs already near-zero), MFN basis and lower own tariffs on non-RMG items (e.g. footwear) to reduce anti-export bias He mentioned that the trade diversion could benefit Bangladesh due to China’s tariff burden (54%) while there will be risk of global GDP shrinking by 1%, trade by 3%; Asia particularly vulnerable In terms of RMG sector actions, Zaidi suggested collaborating with buyers to share increased costs, mentioning that limited bargaining power makes price adjustment critical. Citing that China and the US are the two largest economies in the world, he said that the US, at $26 Tr, commands a quarter of world GDP while China is next, with $16 Tr. The two make up over 40% of world GDP. The two are also the largest trading economies in the world; 33% of world trade; China the largest exporter, US the largest importer. CPD’s Mustafizur suggested strengthening negotiating capacity, mentioning that we can sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the US but it will not be so easy. “US Tariff is called reciprocal but in fact it is irrational and one-sided. We need to bring the tariff issue to the TICFA platform but we are not still ready for that”, he added.    IBFB President Lutfunnisa said the USA is a major trade partner of Bangladesh, especially as a leading market for our exports mainly in the Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector. She said the suspension of GSP benefits and the rise of protectionist policies in recent years have impacted our competitiveness in key sectors like garments, leather and light manufacturing-hurting export performance, slowing job growth and affecting investor sentiment. BIISS Research Director Mahfuz said TICFA is the proper platform to discuss the issue and begin the negotiating process.

Acknowledging the difficult situation, Bangladesh has strongly conveyed to the United States that peace will not return to Myanmar even the war ends there unless the Rohingya problem is resolved. "If the Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace will not come to Myanmar even after the war ends. I strongly said this," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters on Friday referring to his discussion with the US delegation held on Thursday. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island. Talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Adviser Hossain said they also conveyed to the US side that they are now in a new reality and in fact in new reality, they are now facing new neighbours; who are non-state actors. "So we cannot deal with them directly, nor we can ignore them. This is a difficult situation," he said. The Adviser said maybe at some point the problem will settle down and move towards a solution. Shared commitment to "forward-looking partnership" emerged: Islamabad about Dhaka "Then those who are our friends and powerful states will have to create pressure there," he said, adding that the Rohingys need to be seen humanely and their rights need to restored in Myanmar. The US delegation comprising of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick and Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup met Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin separately and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Adviser Hossain said Nicole Chulick highlighted bilateral issues while Andrew Herrup's focus was on Myanmar issues. Bangladesh sought greater political and humanitarian support from the United States to help address the Rohingya crisis. "We broadly discussed the Rohingya issue," Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said on Thursday. Both sides expressed a "strong commitment" to further advancing the Bangladesh-US partnership to a "newer height" in the days to come.

Bangladesh on Thursday sought greater political and humanitarian support from the United States to help address the Rohingya crisis in addition to raising the high tariff issues. "We broadly discussed the Rohingya issue," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said, adding that the upcoming election issue was also discussed. The US delegation comprising of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick and Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the Foreign Secretary separately and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Both sides expressed "strong commitment" to further advancing the Bangladesh-US partnership to a "newer height" in the days to come. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Jashim said they also discussed the ongoing reform issues and steps taken by the interim government. The centrepiece of Bangladesh's actions is to significantly increase the imports of US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, corn and soybean which will offer benefits to US farmers. Bangladesh has the lowest tariff on most US exports in the South Asian region. The Chief Adviser indicated further tariff cuts on US products are being fashioned, including top US export items such as gas turbines, semiconductors and medical equipment. Bangladesh will build dedicated duty free bonded warehouses for cotton to improve speed to market. Dhaka seeks Pakistan’s apology for 1971 genocide; demands 4.32bl, undivided wealth A separate letter detailing the actions by Bangladesh was sent by the Commerce Advisor to the US Trade Representative. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi said, "I have further important discussions scheduled with the offices of USTR, Commerce and State department, in Washington DC next week."  The meeting with the Foreign Secretary discussed the key areas of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, development cooperation, and people-to-people connections as well as Rohingya crisis. Referring to the letter from the Chief Adviser and the Commerce Adviser, the Foreign Secretary indicated that government was considering a few measures to address the bilateral trade gap with the US. The US side flagged that 90-day is a very short time and concrete measures have to be taken and implemented before 09 July 2025 to resolve the issue. The Foreign Secretary said that Bangladesh does not consider 90 days pause as a stop and is actively utilising the time to find out ways in consultations with the stakeholders to deal with the new situation for the mutual benefits of both the countries. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the country’s commitment to improving labor standards. Requested to Revisit USAID Funding Foreign Secretary Jashim requested to revisit the recent USAID funding cuts, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors, and sought support for Bangladesh’s inclusion at the US Development Finance Corporation. The US side noted the status, appreciated the progress and conveyed the authorisation of the Congress is needed in that regard.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick on Tuesday expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s "prompt and constructive" response to their trade agenda. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi welcomed Nicole Chulick and her delegation to his office. "I have further important discussions scheduled with the offices of USTR, Commerce and State department, in Washington DC next week," he said. Dhaka, Islamabad to hold FS-level talks Thursday after 15 years Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R. Herrup is also scheduled to visit Bangladesh this week. “There will be discussions on all aspects of relations with the United States,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters while responding to a question regarding the visit recently.

Business leaders and trade experts at a discussion on US tariffs on Saturday emphasised that strategic negotiations and industrial capacity building are crucial for Bangladesh to navigate tariff-related challenges. They stressed the importance of collective efforts from both the private and public sectors to resolve tariff issues with the United States. The observations came at a discussion titled “US Tariff on Bangladesh’s Exports: Reciprocal Strategies and Way Forward for Negotiation”, held at Gulshan Club. Speakers called for increasing the US content in manufacturing to 20 percent or more to qualify for a reduced tariff of 10 percent when exporting to the US market. Highlighting the high yield and low waste (only 9 percent) of US cotton, they suggested increasing imports of US cotton. The business leaders suggested that setting up US cotton storage facilities in Bangladesh should be explored, as it could help reduce import lead time and eliminate non-tariff barriers, thereby facilitating easier imports from the US. They also emphasised that Bangladesh can expand its exports to the US through product diversification and by encouraging US entrepreneurs to invest in the country’s industries. In addition to the government’s ongoing efforts in tariff discussions and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, speakers highlighted the need to involve the US private sector in the dialogue. They further stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure and industrial capacity, along with enhancing human resource skills, to help domestic industries remain competitive globally. While expressing optimism that the ongoing tariff war might create new export opportunities, they cautioned that without significant improvements in local capacity, Bangladesh might fail to capitalise on these prospects. Consensus Commission resumes talks with parties on reforms Saturday Speakers noted that major manufacturing countries have already begun relocating their industries in response to global trade uncertainties. Bangladesh should seize this opportunity by offering land, infrastructure, and supportive policies to attract global manufacturers. The discussion also called for enhancing the capabilities of government officials and upskilling human resources to better address these challenges and turn them to Bangladesh’s advantage. Key participants included Hafizur Rahman, Administrator of FBCCI; Abdul High Parker, President of Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB); Anowar Hossain, EPB Vice Chairman and BGMEA Administrator; Anower-ul Alam Chowdhury Pervez, President of BCI; Zonaed Ahmed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Gono Sanghati Andolon; Shamim Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA); and Muhibuz Zaman, Managing Director of ACI Healthcare, among others. Shawkat Aziz Russel, President of BTMA, presided over the programme. Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, made a presentation on the US tariff challenges facing Bangladesh. This issue is of major concern as the United States remains Bangladesh’s single largest export destination, accounting for nearly 20 percent of total Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports, valued at US $7.34 billion in 2024. Unlike a flat tariff rate, US tariffs vary by country: China faces 145 percent, India 26 percent, Pakistan 29 percent, and Indonesia 32 percent. Bangladesh currently faces a 37 percent additional duty - higher than many of its competitors. This is particularly disheartening given that Bangladesh has been a consistent importer of US cotton for years, while countries like India import little to none. Based on this, Bangladesh’s tariff rate should logically be lower than India’s. The complexity is further deepened by a content-based adjustment mechanism that favours exports incorporating US-origin inputs.

US President Donald Trump's incoming cabinet has begun talks with the interim government in Bangladesh, according to US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who is currently in New Delhi for a high-profile security conclave - the Raisina Dialogue. She claimed the situation in Bangladesh remains 'a central focus area of concern' for the Trump administration. Asked about alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh by Vishnu Som for NDTV World, Gabbard said, "The longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration." She went on to say that the new, incoming US Cabinet under Trump has just begun talks with Dhaka. "The talks are just beginning between President Trump's new cabinet coming in and the Government of Bangladesh, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern," she said Acknowledging the threat of Islamic extremism and terrorist elements in Bangladesh, she then pivoted to present her view of the global picture of Islamic extremism, straying dangerously close to Islamophobia. Bangladesh dismisses Tulsi Gabbard's remarks as misleading and damaging "The threat of Islamist terrorists and the global effort of different terror groups are routed in the same ideology and objective - which is to rule or govern with an Islamist Caliphate," she said, adding that "This obviously affects people of any other religion, other than the one that they find acceptable, and they chose to carry this out with terror and very violent ways and means." Gabbard went on to say that President Trump is determined to identify and defeat such an ideology and end the rise of what he calls "radical Islamic terrorism". "President Trump remains committed to identifying the ideology that drives Islamist terrorism, and working to defeat this ideology and their ability to exact that terror on people," she said. Gabbard is on a multi-nation trip to the Indo-Pacific that will also take her to Japan, Thailand and France. On Tuesday she will deliver a keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics. Meanwhile,  reacting to the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, the interim government of Bangladesh said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate” undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability and progress.

Reacting to remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, the interim government on Monday said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate” undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability and progress. In a statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of “Islamist caliphate”. The government noted with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged “persecution and killing” of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that “the threat of Islamic terrorists” in the country is “rooted” in the “ideology and objective” to “rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate." This statement, the interim government said, is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism. Guterres: Societies "stronger, more resilient" in Bangladesh when everyone can play "meaningful role" "Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," said the government in its statement. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts, the government said. Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions, the statement reads. "In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations," it mentioned.