10% US tariff impact limited: Zahed

The proposed 10-percent tariff on Bangladeshi exports is unlikely to significantly affect the country’s trade competitiveness, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday. Speaking at a weekly press briefing in the capital, Rahman noted that Bangladesh remains one of a small group of countries subject to the lowest tariff rate, averaging roughly 10 percent, while many competing exporting nations face higher rates averaging about 12.5 percent.

“We do not expect the proposed tariff to have any major adverse impact on Bangladesh’s exports,” Rahman said. He added that the government was closely monitoring developments and would take necessary measures to safeguard the country’s trade interests. The adviser also addressed a temporary disruption in the national gas distribution system caused by a technical fault at a floating storage and regasification unit, which created a daily shortfall of around 400 million cubic feet.

The operational issues are expected to resolve within the next week, according to the official. “The present gas problem has arisen due to temporary reasons. We expect the situation to return to normal within a week,” he said. To address the situation long-term, the administration is intensifying efforts to explore new natural gas reserves. Increasing domestic production remains a priority to ensure a stable energy supply for industries, power generation, and households.

Looking at international partnerships, Rahman stated that while Bangladesh has received an invitation to join BRICS, no preliminary discussions have started. He emphasized that all major policy decisions, including those relating to international partnerships and trade, would be made in the best interests of the country and its people.

Regarding the recent retirement of 32 joint secretaries, many of whom served as deputy commissioners during the 2018 general election, the adviser clarified that the move was not linked to allegations about the polls. However, he stated that all officials and stakeholders found to have been involved in any irregularities during the 2018 election should be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

When questioned about the 2008 general election, Rahman claimed that irregularities were also detected during that period, noting that in some instances, more than 1,000 votes had reportedly been counted within a single minute. He further announced that incentives and benefits for freedom fighters have been increased starting from the current fiscal year.

On the domestic political front, Rahman announced that the July Museum will be inaugurated on August 5. He also confirmed that a new president would be elected soon following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin. The adviser noted that the Constitution provides immunity to a sitting president, meaning no legal case could be filed against him or her while in office, though legal action could be taken against a former president.