Dhaka: The newly appointed Minister of Commerce, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, has announced that the interim government’s recently signed trade agreement with the United States will be meticulously reviewed to safeguard national interests. Each clause of the agreement will be examined in detail before determining the next course of action.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Wednesday (25 February), the minister emphasised that the review is essential to ensure that Bangladesh benefits from the agreement without compromising its economic or strategic priorities.
Tariff Policy Update
On the evolving US tariff policy, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir noted that while reports suggest a uniform 15% tariff may soon apply to all countries, no official written notification has yet been received. Previously, reciprocal tariffs varied by country, reaching up to 19% in certain cases.
| Tariff Type | Previous Rate | Proposed Rate | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reciprocal Tariff | Up to 19% | 15% | All countries (pending official notification) |
The minister described the issue as highly sensitive, revealing that a non-disclosure agreement was in place during negotiations. “Given the fluid nature of the situation, it would be premature to comment definitively,” he said. “Not all provisions of the agreement are automatically favourable or unfavourable; every aspect will be assessed in the national interest before action is taken.”
He urged journalists to refrain from pressing for further commentary at this stage and stressed that Bangladesh must maintain a cautious and measured stance.
Domestic Market Stability
Regarding local market conditions, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir stated that the supply of imported goods is stable and prices are largely under control. He cited the recent abnormal surge in lemon prices—from 40–50 BDT to 120 BDT—as an example of opportunistic behaviour by certain traders. Within three days, prices returned to normal, demonstrating that no genuine supply shortage existed.
The minister issued a stern warning against price gouging, promising strict enforcement rather than mere verbal assurances.
Consumer Safety and Order
Commenting on the recent incident at the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) outlet, where two women were injured in a rush to purchase goods, he described the event as “deeply regrettable” and stressed that future distribution will be more orderly. Dealers have been instructed to maintain strict discipline to prevent similar incidents.
In conclusion, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir reaffirmed that both foreign trade policies and domestic market regulations will be handled with utmost caution, prioritising national welfare above all.
