DHAKA – Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested US President Donald Trump to delay the implementation of a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi imports for three months, citing active efforts to enhance American exports to the South Asian nation.
In a letter issued Monday, Yunus—a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who assumed leadership in August following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—outlined Bangladesh’s recent steps to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The garment industry, a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, is expected to bear the brunt of the steep tariff.
Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening trade relations, referencing the February visit of his envoy, Khalilur Rahman, to Washington to initiate negotiations. He emphasized, “We are the first country to take such a proactive initiative,” pointing to the concrete steps taken to support US trade interests.
Since that visit, officials from both nations have been actively identifying strategic measures to quickly increase US exports. The letter also noted Bangladesh’s landmark agreement to import American liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it the first South Asian country to do so. Additionally, Dhaka is working to expand trade in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE