Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin today said the government expects further reductions in US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports as negotiations continue ahead of a pending bilateral trade agreement.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the adviser said Bangladesh had already negotiated down a 37 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States to 20 per cent and hoped to secure additional reductions through ongoing talks.
“A 37 per cent tariff was imposed on our exports to the United States, which we managed to reduce to 20 per cent through negotiations,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is working to lower the rate further, including efforts to secure zero tariffs on its key export product, garments.
Referring to the proposed purchase of Boeing aircraft, the adviser said Bangladesh has export potential worth around Tk1 lakh crore to the United States, noting that the figure could rise significantly if improved market access is secured.
He said that to address the commercial uncertainty created by the recently imposed 37 per cent reciprocal tariff by the United States, and with the aim of reducing a USD 6 billion trade deficit, the government has proposed the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft alongside other import liberalisation measures.
Exports worth US 8 billion dollars, he noted, are directly linked to employment for around 500,000 to 700,000 people.
Noting that neighbouring countries have already signed contracts to purchase hundreds of Boeing aircraft, he said that in this context, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved a long-term plan to expand its network and fleet.
Accordingly, he said that Biman began receiving and reviewing proposals from both Boeing and Airbus for aircraft procurement. Based on the proposals received, Biman’s techno-financial committee has decided to proceed with the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, and negotiations with Boeing are currently underway.
He said that if the negotiations are successful, the deal would be signed before the election.
On aviation reforms, Sheikh Bashiruddin said the government issued the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Travel Agency Registration and Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 on 1 January to curb ticket syndication and blocking, bringing ticket distribution channels under licensing and accountability.
He said the strengthened oversight has contributed to a decline in airfares, citing the Dhaka-Jeddah route where ticket prices that reached Tk1.5 lakh in February last year are now available between Tk53,000 and Tk60,000.
The adviser also said Hajj airfares have been reduced by Tk54,000 compared to the previous season, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines will transport Hajj pilgrims this year on scheduled Saudi-bound flights instead of charter services that previously returned empty.
Under the new arrangement, the adviser said Biman will carry regular passengers on return dedicated hajj flights, allowing the sale of low-cost tickets, including return seats priced at Tk20,000, creating opportunities for expatriate workers to travel home ahead of the upcoming Eid holidays.
