Desk Report:
Bangladesh is firmly committed to deepening bilateral relations with the United States, especially in the areas of trade, investment, energy and development cooperation, said Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus. He said that Bangladesh is ready to import more products from the United States. As a result, he expressed hope that US tariffs will be further reduced in the future, which will build a sustainable and mutually beneficial trade partnership between the two countries.
Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met with the Principal Advisor at the office of the Principal Advisor in Tejgaon in the capital on Monday. Dr. Yunus told the US representative, “Thank you very much for your support. We are very happy about this. This is very important for our economy.” The Principal Advisor mentioned that the recent decision of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to reduce the tariff rate on Bangladeshi exports from 35 to 20 percent is an important milestone in bilateral trade relations.
The meeting discussed strategies to reduce the trade deficit between the two sides, increasing agricultural imports including cotton and soybeans from the US, strengthening energy cooperation, importing LPG from the US, purchasing civil aircraft, drug control activities, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya.
Regarding the speedy signing of the draft bilateral trade agreement, the Principal Advisor expressed optimism and said, “Our interests are now closer to those of the US. As a result, the entire process has become easier and more promising.”
Highlighting the government’s steps to implement the 11-point labor action plan proposed by the US, the Principal Advisor said that Bangladesh is committed to protecting international labor standards and fair practices.
Brendan Lynch praised Bangladesh’s constructive role in the talks and expressed hope that the two countries’ relations will further strengthen. He said that in February, the National Security Advisor of Bangladesh had proposed to reduce the bilateral trade deficit in a meeting with him. This initiative smoothed the negotiation process and yielded positive results.
No problem will remain unsolved if the youth are active
Our correspondent said that the Chief Advisor said that the talent, energy and creativity of the youth should be utilized to play a role in the development of the country. He believes that if the youth are active, no problem of the country can remain unsolved.
The Chief Advisor said these things at the ‘Youth Volunteer Award-2025’ program organized at the Chief Advisor’s office yesterday, Monday. At the program organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, he said, ‘We are celebrating the power of youth. This is the driving force of our nation. I firmly believe that when the youth of a country are strong with active, energetic and innovative energy, then no obstacle can stop their progress.’
The Chief Advisor presented awards to 12 people in recognition of their volunteer work and inspiring contributions to the young generation. He said, “Today’s award is not just a recognition, it is a call for you to be more courageous, lead more and work with new ideas and innovations for the welfare of the society.”
The 12 awardees are Afaida Khandaker, captain of the national women’s football team, and Uchai Mong Marma (Dhungri Headman) of Bandarban for their significant contributions to sports, arts and culture. Suraiya Farhana Reshma of Bogra, Md. Akkach Khan of Magura and Md. Zakir Hossain of Noakhali for youth development and employment. Md. Khaled Saifullah of Jhalokati and Md. Shahadat Hossain of Gaibandha for education, science, information technology and engineering. Md. Dwip Mahbub of Pabna and Hasan Sheikh of Rajshahi for patriotism, heroism and courage. In addition, Md. Jamal Hossain of Lalmonirhat, Nurul Absar of Cox’s Bazar and Md. Muhin (Mohana) received the award for exemplary service/social welfare towards the elderly. The award consisted of a cash prize bond of 1 lakh taka, a crest of honour and a certificate.
