Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the interim government’s trade adviser, has been praised for his pivotal role in reducing retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States. According to Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, adviser on power, energy, and mineral resources, the trade adviser has proven his competence both in maintaining domestic market stability and during high-stakes negotiations in Washington.

In a Facebook post published Friday, Kabir Khan wrote:
“From stabilizing domestic prices to skillfully negotiating with the U.S. on reciprocal tariffs, Sheikh Bashir Uddin has demonstrated his ability — disappointing his critics.”

Earlier this year, on April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on imports from 57 countries. Bangladesh was among those affected, initially facing a steep 37% tariff on its exports. The decision was temporarily suspended for three months. However, on July 8, Trump sent a letter to the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, stating the tariff would be revised to 35%, effective August 1.

During the final round of talks with officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Sheikh Bashir Uddin led Bangladesh’s delegation. Following the discussions, on Thursday (U.S. local time), President Trump signed an executive order setting the new retaliatory tariff on Bangladeshi goods at 20%. Similar revisions were also made for dozens of other countries.

Shortly after the announcement, Energy Adviser Kabir Khan shared the news on Facebook. Later, he followed up with another post in English, offering personal reflections on the trade adviser. An excerpt from his post reads:

"Sheikh Bashir Uddin — Our Remarkable Trade Adviser"

"I was tasked by the Chief Adviser to meet with several candidates for the role of Trade Adviser, including Mr. Sheikh Bashir Uddin. At the time, I reached him by phone while he was on a business trip in Bhola. Later, we met at my office in the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

Though we hadn’t met before, our conversation lasted over an hour. Despite being offered refreshments by my office, he politely declined. What struck me most were his patriotism, his refusal to accept irrational arguments, and his exceptional ability to organize and analyze complex data sets. I shared this impression with the Chief Adviser.

By the grace of Allah — and for the good of the country — he was appointed. And he accepted the call to serve.

Through his stewardship of trade matters and his leadership in crucial negotiations with the U.S., he has proved himself more than capable — silencing many who doubted him.

May Allah grant him a long, purposeful life, so he may continue to serve this nation — whether in public service or elsewhere."