BNP urges US to keep tariffs on BD at reasonable level

BNP has urged the United States (US) to maintain reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh at a reasonable level to ensure smooth trade and economic relations between the two countries, report agencies.

"The economic aspects and the tariff issue came up during the discussions. We discussed Bangladesh's perspective on the tariff matter," said BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury while speaking to reporters after a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Chulick at the Gulshan residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission in the capital on Wednesday.

He said they told the US leader that the tariff issue must be resolved through discussions with all stakeholders. "We stated that our exports to the USA will be affected if the tariff is not kept at a tolerable level."

The BNP leader said they also voiced concern that the economic ties between the US and Bangladesh will be strained a bit.

The visiting US official held a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Amir Khosru and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman also met Nicole Ann Chulick.

"They wanted to know about the current political situation in Bangladesh. They enquired about the timing of the next elections and how the electoral process would be conducted. They also sought information on possible reforms," said Shafiqur Rahman while talking to journalists after the meeting.