Dhaka: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday rejected claims that the reciprocal trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US was signed abruptly just days before the recently held national election. He stated that the matter had been discussed in advance with the leadership of the country’s two major political parties – BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami – both of which had agreed to the deal prior to its signing.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the US Trade Representative had communicated with the heads of these key parties before the elections, ensuring their agreement to the trade deal. Dr Khalilur emphasized that the signing was not conducted in secrecy and was not influenced by any pressure to expedite the process ahead of the national election.
The Foreign Minister also mentioned that the agreement includes entry and exit clauses, allowing the government to review it if necessary. During a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur highlighted the importance of implementing the agreement’s provisions to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
The deal outlines Bangladesh’s commitment to increasing purchases of US military equipment and limiting acquisitions from certain other countries. It also includes Bangladesh’s intention to facilitate its national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airline, in purchasing US civilian aircraft, parts, and services, with plans to acquire 14 Boeing aircraft and additional options.
Furthermore, the agreement requires Bangladesh to notify the WTO of all subsidies provided within six months of the deal’s enactment, as stipulated under Article 25.1 of the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The deal also targets long-term purchases of US liquefied natural gas, valued at $15 billion over 15 years.
Dr Khalilur, who led Bangladesh’s negotiations with the US, clarified that the agreement was finalized a year ago in February 2025, not just three days before the elections. However, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has criticized the agreement as ‘highly discriminatory’ and called for its revocation. CPD Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem expressed surprise and concern over the government’s decision to enter into such an agreement during a media briefing on the new government’s policies.