Dhaka: Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today acknowledged the success of Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin in effectively negotiating tariff reductions with the United States. The announcement came following a significant tariff reduction on products imported from Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the United States had initially imposed a 35 percent tariff on products from Bangladesh, effective August 1. However, after a series of negotiations led by a Bangladeshi delegation in Washington, DC, the White House announced a reduction of the tariff rate to 20 percent, marking a substantial diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh.
Energy Adviser Khan praised Sk Bashir Uddin’s role in this achievement on his verified Facebook page, referring to him as an “extraordinary commerce adviser.” Khan highlighted Uddin’s efforts in maintaining domestic product price stability and proving his mettle in the face of critics through successful tariff negotiations.
The context of these negotiations traces back to an additional tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump on April 2, targeting products from 57 countries, including Bangladesh. Initially, Bangladesh faced a 37 percent tariff, which was temporarily suspended after a letter from Trump to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on July 8.
Adviser Khan elaborated on his first meeting with Sk Bashir Uddin, recalling how he was impressed by Uddin’s patriotism, determination, and analytical clarity. Khan conveyed his positive impression to Chief Adviser Yunus, who subsequently appointed Uddin as the commerce adviser.
In his Facebook post, Khan expressed gratitude for Uddin’s appointment, emphasizing the adviser’s accomplishments, from stabilizing domestic prices to achieving the recent tariff reduction. Khan concluded his remarks with a wish for Uddin’s long life to continue serving the nation.