The recent increase in U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi products is not unexpected, and there is no reason for panic, said Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative to the Chief Adviser. Speaking to the press on Saturday night (April 5) after an emergency meeting on the tariff issue at the state guesthouse Jamuna, he stated that any new decisions will be taken through dialogue with the United States. The meeting was presided over by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin noted that discussions on tariffs had already taken place with the U.S. back in February, and positive outcomes may emerge following a thorough review. He emphasized ongoing and future engagement with all levels of the U.S. government and efforts to reduce the trade deficit.

He added that an increase in imports could help address the trade gap, and since other competitor countries have also faced tariff hikes, Bangladesh is unlikely to suffer significantly. In fact, the diversity in Bangladesh’s garment sector could unlock new opportunities under the revised U.S. tariff policy.

The meeting was attended by several top advisers and officials including Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Energy Adviser Fauzul Kabir Khan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Chief Adviser’s High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfe Siddique, BIDA Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, Chief Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia, SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed, Finance Secretary Dr. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman, and PRI Chairman Zaidi Sattar.