There is no reason to panic over the United States imposing tariffs, said Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Instead, he emphasized that this development should be viewed as an opportunity, noting that competing nations are also subject to similar tariffs. As a result, Bangladesh is not at a competitive disadvantage.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Reciprocal Tariffs by the United States and Bangladesh’s Response Strategy,” organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Saturday, May 17, Dr. Bhattacharya presented the keynote address and laid out a rational approach to the issue.

He argued that the tariff measures shouldn’t spark fear, as the United States will also face consequences due to increased import costs. “Tariff pressure is mutual,” he said, urging stakeholders to respond with realistic and well-planned strategies rather than reacting with anxiety.

Dr. Bhattacharya further added that this is the ideal moment for Bangladesh to pursue much-needed reforms. However, he cautioned the government not to alienate other trading partners in its efforts to align more closely with the United States. “Overemphasizing one partner at the cost of others may have diplomatic and trade repercussions,” he concluded.