Bangladesh continues talks with US on tariffs: Dr Khalilur Rahman

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that negotiations between the United States and Bangladesh to finalize a reciprocal tariff agreement are ongoing, with significant progress made during their latest meeting in Washington on Thursday (June 26).

Dr Khalilur Rahman, who previously served as the trade policy chief at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), led the Bangladeshi delegation, while the US team was headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.

"Very good progress has been made in our discussions. Both sides are sincerely committed to concluding the agreement quickly," he said in a statement released by the chief adviser's press wing on Saturday (June 28).

The agreement under discussion aims to secure relief for Bangladesh from a 37% additional tariff imposed during former US President Donald Trump's administration. The US has already sent a draft of the proposed agreement to Dhaka, which responded with its comments and recommendations. The recent meeting in Washington was held to review both versions and move toward a consensus.

Sources indicate that the final round of talks is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, where the two sides are expected to conclude negotiations and finalize the agreement. Officials believe the deal will help ease the tariff burden on Bangladeshi exports and strengthen bilateral trade ties.