Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir on Tuesday dismissed concerns over a proposed reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, saying the deal is structured to safeguard national interests and includes provisions for revision if any clause proves unfavourable.
The minister made the remarks after a meeting at the Secretariat with a US delegation led by Brendan Lynch. Responding to questions from reporters, he said there was no reason to be concerned about the agreement.
“Like other international agreements, this one includes a self-correcting mechanism,” Muqtadir said. “If at any point we find that any clause is not aligned with Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope within the agreement itself to amend it.”
When asked whether Bangladesh might consider cancelling the deal—given reports that it includes a termination clause—the minister did not give a direct answer. Instead, he underscored the government’s responsibility to act in the public interest.
“This government is elected by the people and represents their interests. Every agreement we engage in reflects that responsibility,” he said. “Such agreements are negotiated with a view to ensuring mutual benefit and creating a ‘win-win’ situation for both sides.”
Muqtadir also noted that the current administration did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of the continuity of the state. He emphasised that international agreements cannot be treated like private contracts that can be withdrawn at will.
“This is a reality we must acknowledge,” he said. “Rather than focusing on withdrawal, we are looking at how best to utilise this framework to expand Bangladesh’s trade and investment opportunities.”
On other issues discussed during the meeting, the minister referred to a recent investigation process initiated by US authorities. He said Bangladesh has sought clarification on the matter and conveyed its position clearly.
“We have informed them that, in the context of the existing agreement, it would have been more positive had such an investigation not been initiated,” he said.
Rejecting allegations that Bangladesh engages in dumping, Muqtadir described such claims as unfounded. He pointed out that Bangladesh is predominantly an importing country, while its key export sectors—particularly ready-made garments—operate under strict international compliance standards.
“Our export industries follow rigorous compliance requirements,” he said. “There is no scope for labour law violations or child labour in these sectors.”