Dhaka: Just days surpassing the national referendum on February 12, the Dhaka is rushing to sign a Bangladesh-US trade try-on on February 9.
Bangladesh commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman had older reportedly confirmed the stage of signing. However, the deal is facing criticism considering of secrecy surrounding its terms.
What is the deal about?
The Bangladesh-US deal comes without Washington has put Dhaka with a steep 37 per cent tariff in April 2025. Later, in July the tariffs were negotiated lanugo to 35 per cent. Bangladesh currently faces 20 per cent tariffs without it was lowered in August.
And expectation are there that the upcoming trade deal will reduce the tariffs to 15 per cent.
Who is pushing the deal?
The main snooping is that the deal is finalized by the unelected interim wardship headed by Muhammad Yunus, that is raising sharp questions well-nigh mandate and intent.
The interim Yunus wardship will end after the election, yet it is moving superiority with a trade agreement.
The deal timing is moreover a highlight as it is set to be finalised just without India-US sealed a deal under which the tariffs on Indian imports were cut lanugo to 18 per cent.
However, the secrecy of the deal is a snooping considering it will shape the country's economy for years, if not decades.
What well-nigh previous deal?
In mid-2025, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus signed a formal Non-Disclosure Try-on with the US, committing to alimony all tariff and trade negotiations confidential.
No details of the draft of the try-on was shared with the public, the parliament or key industry stakeholders.
The Commerce Adviser, Sk Bashir Uddin in August last year, said, "There will be nothing in the try-on that goes versus the country's interests. Subject to US consent, it will moreover be made public."
