Bangladesh may seek an extension from the Trump administration, if necessary, after the 90-day tariff pause period ends, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.
“If needed, we will request additional time and strengthen our dialogue with the Trump administration,” he stated while delivering the keynote speech at a consultative meeting held at a hotel in the capital.
The meeting was jointly organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
It was chaired by NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan and attended by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
FBCCI Administrator Hafizur Rahman moderated the event.
During his address, the finance adviser reassured business leaders that their reasonable demands would be reflected in the upcoming national budget. However, he reminded them that the government is under pressure to boost revenue collection.
Emphasising a shift in fiscal policy, Salehuddin said this year’s budget would be realistic and different from conventional ones, with a stronger focus on implementation.
He noted that while previous budgets were often large, they lacked execution, and this time the government aimed to follow through on its commitments.
Addressing concerns over competitiveness and taxation amid new US tariffs, the adviser acknowledged that business competition would intensify and urged business owners to become more competitive.
He said that although the US administration had granted a three-month grace period, Bangladesh would request additional time if needed.
Salehuddin also called on businesses to be more responsible in tax compliance. He pointed out that the era of widespread tax exemptions is over and that the government is under significant pressure to increase revenue.
He stressed that taxpayers would ultimately benefit from the contributions they make.
The finance adviser pledged to accommodate business demands as much as possible in the upcoming budget but urged mutual understanding and cooperation between the government and the private sector.
He added that the government would remain sympathetic to business concerns if businesses also showed understanding of the government’s fiscal challenges.
Acknowledging the voices from smaller chambers and marginal-level businesses, the adviser assured them that their interests were being taken into account.
He noted that while the government is facing criticism, it remains open to dialogue and is committed to maintaining public confidence despite inevitable mistakes and challenges.
Calling for patience and cooperation from business leaders, Salehuddin emphasised that the interim government is responsive to feedback.
On the subject of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he clarified that discussions are ongoing with multiple international partners and that no final agreement has been reached with the IMF.
During the meeting, business proposals were presented by Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Shawkat Aziz Russell, and Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) Director Ayub Ali, among others.