Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has called for a comparative assessment of Bangladesh’s agreement with the United States, saying it should be evaluated alongside similar deals signed by other countries.
The agreement, finalised toward the end of the interim government’s tenure, has sparked continued debate in Bangladesh, with some critics demanding its cancellation.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday before departing for Beijing, Rahman said public scrutiny of the agreement was both necessary and welcome.
“It is good that the US agreement is being discussed. Any deal should be open to scrutiny,” he said.
He noted that Bangladesh was not alone in signing such agreements, pointing to similar arrangements reached by countries including Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.
“We did not sign this alone—many countries have entered into similar agreements. Indonesia, for instance, agreed to 231 such conditions,” he said.
The foreign minister stressed that any assessment should focus on comparative outcomes, including tariff rates, policy commitments and purchasing obligations.
“The United States imposed reciprocal tariffs—around 39 or 37% in our case. Other countries also negotiated reductions. Vietnam secured 20%, while we secured 19%,” he said.
He added that the agreements were now publicly available and should be examined side by side to understand their broader implications.
“Compare the terms—rates, policy commitments, and purchase obligations—with those of other countries. Only then can a clear picture emerge,” he said.
Asked whether progress on the Teesta agreement could be expected after elections in India’s West Bengal state, Rahman said no government had yet been formed there.
“It is not my job to read their minds about what they will do,” he said.
