Tariff Standoff: Dhaka-Washington high-stakes virtual talks on 29 July

Bangladesh and the United States are set to hold a crucial virtual meeting on 29 July to discuss Washington’s recent decision to impose a 35 per cent reciprocal tariff on selected Bangladeshi exports—just two days ahead of the scheduled implementation date on 1 August.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin confirmed this during a media briefing at the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday, describing it as a key part of ongoing negotiations to avert the impending trade setback.

“We have a virtual meeting scheduled with the US on 29 July. Based on the outcome, we will determine our next course of action,” Commerce Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman told The Financial Express.

“The meeting will be held at 10 pm Bangladesh local time,” he said.

Adviser Bashir Uddin also made it clear that the government has not engaged any lobbyist for this purpose.

The Ministry of Commerce earlier sought a third round of direct dialogue with the United States but has yet to receive a confirmed date for an in-person meeting. In the meantime, the government is focusing on the virtual engagement as a strategic opening to assert Bangladesh’s position.

“We sent a letter to the US Secretary of Commerce just two days ago, outlining our concerns and expectations. We’re now awaiting a response and an official invitation for a physical meeting. Once received, our team is ready to engage,” said the adviser.

When asked about the urgency, given the looming 1 August deadline, he said, “The issue is as critical for the US as it is for us. Our approach has been proactive and well-coordinated. We’ve clearly presented our stance and are prepared to take all necessary steps within our capacity.”

On expectations from the upcoming talks, he added, “We are hopeful for a positive outcome. We’ve conveyed our position effectively and expect a constructive response.”

Responding to speculation that lobbyists might be involved on behalf of the private sector, the adviser clarified, “That’s entirely a matter for the business community. The government has not appointed any lobbyist. Besides, the US has invoked a national emergency provision in this matter, which limits the scope for any lobbyist intervention.”

He further noted the legal and bureaucratic complexity of Bangladesh’s position in this matter, stating, “There are intricate inter-ministerial legal processes involved, which a foreign lobbyist may not fully grasp. Over the past 15 days, nearly every relevant ministry has worked together around the clock. We are fully aligned and prepared for it.”

Addressing concerns circulating on social media that Bangladesh may have compromised its interest in favour of the US, Bashir Uddin said, “I have no comment on baseless claims. Like you, I am a Bangladeshi. Why would I work against my own country? If that were true, there would be no need for inter-ministerial coordination or all this effort. These claims are entirely unfounded.”

Asked about the contingency plan if there is no response before the deadline, the adviser said, “We remain optimistic that we will receive a schedule and proceed accordingly.”

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