Bangladesh to Disclose Trade Agreement Details with US Consent

Dhaka will disclose details of a trade agreement with the United States, subject to Washington’s approval, following the signing of the deal, according to Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Speaking during a conversation with Minister (Press) Golam Mortoza at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington on Saturday (August 2), Bashir emphasized that Dhaka has steered clear of any terms that could indirectly harm national interests.

“We will definitely publish the agreement based on our Right to Information (RTI) Act and with the consent of the United States,” Bashir said, adding that a joint statement will be issued after the agreement is signed. He described the premature leak of the agreement as “somewhat unfortunate,” asserting, “There is nothing against the country’s interests.”

The remarks were shared by Golam Mortoza on his verified Facebook page for the media. Bashir noted that Bangladesh has avoided provisions that could indirectly undermine national interests, prioritizing the involvement of the private sector. He stressed that implementing the trade agreement requires enhancing Bangladesh’s capacity, stating, “There is no alternative to building our capacity, and there is no room for complacency.” Addressing concerns about capacity and competitiveness, Bashir said, “The success or failure of this agreement will depend on our capacity and competitiveness. To reap its benefits, we must enhance both. I’ve heard there’s no room for complacency, and I fully agree—there’s absolutely no scope for it.” When asked about the potential purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft from the US, Bashir clarified that the issue was not raised during trade negotiations. “It’s a one-sided matter. Boeing manufactured 12 aircraft last year, so under this agreement, they could deliver the first aircraft by 2037,” he said. He noted that the US expressed interest in agricultural products, given Bangladesh’s $1.5–2 billion food import market and the US’s position as a major agricultural producer. Bashir highlighted efforts to reduce Bangladesh’s trade deficit, which stands at approximately $6 billion with the US, by increasing imports of cotton, soybeans, corn, and wheat products, potentially cutting the deficit by $2 billion. “This approach will significantly help reduce the trade deficit,” he said, downplaying the Boeing deal by stating, “Boeing aircraft are not a critical issue. You don’t buy them every day, but you need soybeans daily.” The adviser emphasized that the interim government is working to enhance the operational capacity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier, which has the potential to carry an additional 10 million passengers. “Twenty-five aircraft are not excessive,” he added. Bashir dismissed speculation about secret deals, including claims of reciprocal tariff reductions from 35% to 20% on Bangladeshi exports, affirming that national interests were prioritized throughout the negotiations. “There’s no question of neglecting our country’s interests. Everything we’ve done prioritizes our nation, just as the US prioritizes its national security,” he said. He also noted that a delegation of Bangladeshi business leaders is currently in the US, stating, “They won’t do anything against their own interests.” **Key Points:** - **Trade Agreement**: Details to be disclosed post-signing with US consent and under RTI Act - **National Interests**: Dhaka avoided terms detrimental to Bangladesh, prioritizing private sector involvement - **Trade Deficit**: Plans to reduce $6 billion deficit by $2 billion through increased imports of US agricultural products - **Boeing Aircraft**: Not part of trade talks; delivery feasible by 2037 - **Capacity Building**: Emphasis on enhancing capacity and competitiveness for agreement’s success

- **Source**: Minister (Press) Golam Mortoza’s verified Facebook page