Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today termed the recent outcome of tariff negotiations with the United States – securing a 20 percent tariff – as one of the interim government’s major achievements. “This negotiation was the government’s biggest foreign policy related challenge, but with the right preparation and confidence, Bangladesh has achieved the desired outcome,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press secretary shared these remarks at a roundtable discussion titled “Bangladesh and Trump Tariffs: Economic Diplomacy in a World after Trade Regime,” held at the Daily Star Bhaban in the city’s Farmgate area this morning. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN) and featured several notable speakers, including Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Titumir, and economists Jyoti Rahman and Zia Hasan.
Shafiqul Alam highlighted criticisms faced by the interim government and addressed claims of its weakness and inexperience. “Many claimed that the interim government is weak, inexperienced, and incapable of securing a good deal with the US. But we have proven that with proper preparation and self-confidence, even an interim government can achieve a major success,” he asserted.
He explained that the government, aware of its interim nature, strategically focused on areas promising realistic and immediate results. “We were confident from the very beginning that a good agreement with the United States was possible,” he added.
Shafiqul Alam also discussed the challenges posed by both the Rohingya crisis and US tariff policies. “Though the media of a neighboring country widely circulated misleading information soon after the interim government assumed office, Bangladesh managed to counter this through accurate diplomatic preparations,” he noted.
He mentioned that National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman’s visit to the US revealed the Trump administration’s shift towards a unilateral tariff policy. Following this, Bangladesh prepared strategically, leveraging three main strengths – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ personal connections and credibility with the US, Dr Khalilur Rahman’s extensive experience, and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin’s insights into global markets.
The press secretary highlighted Bangladesh’s growing significance as a major consumer and importer in the global market. “Cotton, oil, poultry feed, or edible oil – Bangladesh is now a significant player in almost every sector. This reality was used as leverage in the negotiations,” he explained.
Shafiqul Alam noted that while success was achieved in talks with the US, Bangladesh is also focusing on diversifying its export markets, with increasing exports to Japan, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing Chattogram Port’s efficiency and reforming the logistics system to boost foreign investment. “If Chattogram Port can be made as efficient as Singapore’s, foreign investment cannot be stopped,” he stated.
The press secretary also pointed out that the interim government’s efforts have helped stabilize the economy by controlling inflation, increasing foreign exchange reserves, and achieving 4 percent growth in a post-uprising period.
Expressing optimism about future prospects, Shafiqul Alam remarked that the successful tariff negotiations have positioned Bangladesh’s economy on a new path to prosperity and deepened trade ties with the US. “We want more access to the vast US market. Like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Vietnam, we, too, believe that by expanding exports to the US, Bangladesh will advance towards a new path of prosperity,” he concluded.