Prime Minister’s information and broadcasting adviser Zaher Ur Rahman has said he favours reviewing rather than cancelling the Bangladesh–United States trade agreement.
He told reporters at the weekly government briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday that the deal allows for renegotiation of clauses, and the government intends to exercise that option.
The agreement, signed on 9 February, just three days before the national election, has sparked wide debate.
Zahed said, “The deal has a cancellation option with 60 days’ notice, but also a condition for review and renegotiation. I believe we should first review it officially and then consider negotiations with the US.”
He added that he has discussed the issue with the prime minister, stressing that outright cancellation could affect bilateral relations and reciprocal tariffs. Instead, he said, the government will identify problematic clauses and seek adjustments through negotiation.
Information Department’s Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad and Information Ministry’s Additional Secretary Mohammad Yasin were present at the briefing.
