[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Saif]

NY Senate adopts historical resolution to declare April 14 as ‘Bangla New Year Day’

A new chapter in the recognition of Bengali heritage has begun as the New York State Senate adopted a significant resolution calling for April 14 to be officially declared as "Bangla New Year Day". The resolution, adopted on April 22 during a session at the State Capitol, marked the grand conclusi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NY Senate adopts historical resolution to declare April 14 as ‘Bangla New Year Day’

UNB
Published :
Apr 23, 2026 23:52
Updated :
Apr 23, 2026 23:52

A new chapter in the recognition of Bengali heritage has begun as the New York State Senate adopted a significant resolution calling for April 14 to be officially declared as "Bangla New Year Day".

The resolution, adopted on April 22 during a session at the State Capitol, marked the grand conclusion of a three-day celebration organized by the expatriate community.

The resolution was introduced at 11:15 AM by Senators Luis R. Sepúlveda, Nathalia Fernandez, and Toby Ann Stavisky. Addressing the chamber, Senator Stavisky noted that the resolution serves as a tribute to the vital role Bengalis play in New York’s education, business, and cultural sectors. The move received a standing ovation from approximately 50 prominent expatriate Bengalis in attendance.

The measure officially urges Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 14, 2026, as "Bangla New Year Day" in New York State. It highlights Pohela Boishakh as a non-sectarian festival with roots in the Mughal-era agricultural economy, celebrating the shared traditions of music, dance, and fine arts across all communities.

Acknowledging Cultural Contributions

The New York State Legislature specifically recognized the three decades of cultural advocacy by the Muktadhara Foundation and its founder, Bishwajit Saha. Saha, who also serves as the President of NRB Worldwide, was included in the official distribution list for the resolution, affirming his contributions to promoting the Bengali language and culture.

“We want to establish the celebration of the Bengali New Year beyond the expatriate community and into mainstream American society,” said Bishwajit Saha during the event.

Following the legislative session, an enchanting cultural program was held at the Capitol featuring Rabindra Sangeet, folk music by Baul artist Md Shahin Hossain, and performances by child artist Bhasha Saha and Durga Kshatriya. The program, directed by Mohitosh Talukder Tapas, concluded with a collective rendition of the National Anthem of Bangladesh.

The festivities began on April 11 at Times Square and Jackson Heights before reaching this historic finale in Albany. Advocates view the resolution as a major milestone toward making the Bengali New Year an official cultural day in New York State.​

 

[Saif]

BD-US trade deal: stability bought, leverage conceded

Bangladesh did not sign the 2026 Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the United States to gain advantage -- it signed to avoid loss. That distinction is critical. This is not a deal that expands Bangladesh's economic power; it is one that stabilises access while gradually conceding leverage. In effect,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BD-US trade deal: stability bought, leverage conceded

Mohd Akhtaruzzaman

Published :
Apr 25, 2026 23:25
Updated :
Apr 25, 2026 23:25

Bangladesh did not sign the 2026 Reciprocal Trade Agreement with the United States to gain advantage -- it signed to avoid loss. That distinction is critical. This is not a deal that expands Bangladesh's economic power; it is one that stabilises access while gradually conceding leverage. In effect, Bangladesh has traded immediate export security for longer-term constraints on policy autonomy.

The stakes were significant. The United States absorbs roughly $10-12 billion of Bangladesh's exports annually, accounting for 18-20 per cent of total export earnings. More than 80 per cent of these exports are ready-made garments (RMG), a sector employing around 4 million workers and supporting millions more livelihoods. A tariff shock of just 5-10 percentage points could have triggered $500 million to $1 billion in annual export losses, diverted 10-15 per cent of orders to competitors such as Vietnam and India, and forced the closure of 5-8 per cent of factories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, similar demand shocks led to over $3 billion in cancelled orders, underscoring how quickly contraction can spread.

The agreement prevents that immediate disruption. But the gains are defensive rather than strategic. Tariffs have been reduced only marginally, to around 19 per cent, duty-free access remains conditional, and compliance costs -- driven by labour, environmental and traceability requirements -- are rising by 3-5 per cent per unit. Bangladesh has not gained a competitive edge; it has absorbed a potential shock and paid for stability with tighter margins.

There are, nonetheless, real benefits. The most immediate is export continuity. The U.S. market generates roughly $1 billion per month in export earnings, and even a short disruption could strain foreign exchange reserves. By securing access, the agreement stabilises production and employment in the short term.

A second gain lies in investment signalling. Bangladesh currently attracts $3-4 billion in annual foreign direct investment (FDI) -- modest by regional standards. Under a "China+1" supply chain shift, even a 10-15 per cent diversion of investment flows could bring an additional $500 million to $1 billion annually. After the US-China trade war, countries like Vietnam captured strong FDI inflows, particularly in manufacturing. Bangladesh now has a similar opportunity -- but only if it can deliver on infrastructure, regulatory efficiency and policy consistency.

The agreement also opens a door to the digital economy. Bangladesh's ICT exports stand at around $1.5-2 billion, growing at 15-20 per cent annually, while global digital trade is projected to exceed $5 trillion in the coming decade. Even capturing 1 per cent of global outsourcing flows could generate $3-5 billion in new revenue. Integration into global digital frameworks offers real upside -- if supported by investment in skills, data infrastructure and governance capacity.

Yet these gains come with structural costs. At its core, the agreement is asymmetrical. Bangladesh is opening its markets -- reducing tariffs that previously ranged between 10-25 per cent -- aligning regulatory standards, and accepting constraints in digital and tax policy. The United States, by contrast, retains tariffs near 19 per cent and holds enforcement leverage, including the ability to reimpose tariffs, if conditions are breached. Bangladesh is exposing significant segments of its domestic economy while receiving limited additional access. This is not reciprocity; it is an asymmetry that is difficult to ignore.

The impact will be most visible at the sector level. The RMG sector, exporting $8-10 billion annually to the United States, remains secure in the short term but faces tightening margins. With profit margins already at 5-8 per cent, rising compliance costs of 2-4 per cent could reduce profitability by up to 30-40 per cent, particularly for smaller firms. After the Rana Plaza collapse, similar pressures led to consolidation -- a pattern likely to repeat.

Agriculture faces more immediate risk. Contributing 12-13 per cent of GDP and employing 35-40 per cent of the workforce, it must compete with U.S. products that benefit from subsidies and scale. These advantages can lower prices by 10-20 per cent, placing domestic producers under pressure. Following liberalisation under the World Trade Organisation, similar exposure in developing economies led to 15-25 per cent price decline and the gradual displacement of small farmers.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a quieter but equally serious challenge. Accounting for around 25 per cent of GDP and employing 7-8 million people, these firms operate on thin margins. A 5-7 per cent increase in costs, combined with import competition, could lead to 10-15 per cent closures, as seen in earlier liberalisation phases across South Asia. These losses may be gradual, but they will be widespread.

The ICT sector illustrates both opportunity and constraint. While exports are growing rapidly, global platforms capture 30-40 per cent of value, limiting domestic gains. Bangladesh's integration into global digital systems creates growth potential, but under rules it does not control.

Beyond sectoral impacts, the agreement narrows policy space. Compliance with external standards raises costs, while traditional tools -- such as tariffs -- are weakened. More significantly, commitments to free data flow restrict the state's ability to shape its digital economy. Global technology firms capture 50-70 per cent of digital value, while countries lose potential tax revenue, as seen during EU digital tax debates. Bangladesh is entering the digital economy -- but not as a rule-maker.

Taken together, these dynamics point to a deeper structural shift.

The trade-off is therefore clear. Bangladesh has secured export continuity and short-term stability. In return, it has conceded policy flexibility and reduced its ability to protect domestic industries.

What happens next will determine whether this becomes a platform for transformation or a framework for dependency. If Bangladesh uses this window to diversify exports, upgrade domestic industries and strengthen digital capacity, it could unlock new growth sectors worth $3-5 billion. If it does not, margins will erode, dependency will deepen, and policy constraints will tighten.

Within five years, Bangladesh's garment sector is likely to retain export volume but see profit margins fall by 20-30 per cent, while pressure on agriculture and SMEs intensifies unless active policy intervention is taken.

This is not a traditional trade agreement. It is a structural alignment mechanism -- one that secures Bangladesh's access to a major market while progressively narrowing its policy autonomy. The question is no longer whether the deal is beneficial, but whether Bangladesh can use the time it has bought to transform its economic base.

If it fails to do so, this agreement will not be remembered as a safeguard -- but as a document that denotes dependency.

Maj (Retd.) Mohd. Akhtaruzzaman is a former Member of Parliament (1991-1996, 1996-2001).​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh pledges to import US agricultural goods worth $3.5 billion: US envoy

United States (US) Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen Tuesday said that the United States is ready to chart a course toward shared prosperity with Bangladesh, moving away from a traditional aid-based relationship toward a robust, investment-led strategy.

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh pledges to import US agricultural goods worth $3.5 billion: US envoy

BSS
Dhaka
Updated: 28 Apr 2026, 20: 34

Brent Christensen, the ambassador of the United States stationed in Dhaka. Courtesy of US Embassy in Dhaka

United States (US) Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen Tuesday said that the United States is ready to chart a course toward shared prosperity with Bangladesh, moving away from a traditional aid-based relationship toward a robust, investment-led strategy.

“Under President Trump's leadership, we're moving away from the failed policies of the past that tolerated distorted trading relationships that encouraged rent seeking and opaque markets, and toward a model that will deliver benefits for both our people. A policy that emphasizes trade over aid, investment over assistance, and a genuine partnership that creates opportunities for both our nations,” he said.

The envoy made these remarks while speaking at a high-level policy dialogue on “Advancing US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership” organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at a hotel in the city.

Highlighting the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), the envoy described it as a transformative framework aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries through enhanced trade flows and mutual investment.

Christensen said that under the ART framework, Bangladesh would continue to enjoy access to the US market with a reduced tariff rate of 19 per cent, compared to 35 per cent in the absence of such an arrangement.

In return, Bangladesh is expected to reduce non-tariff barriers and expand imports of high-quality US products to help balance bilateral trade, he added.

Referring to major commercial commitments, the ambassador said Bangladesh has pledged to import US agricultural goods worth $3.5 billion, including wheat, soybeans, cotton and corn.

He noted that US wheat offers lower spoilage rates compared to alternative sources, contributing to improved supply efficiency.

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s strong economic potential, strategic location and growing workforce, Christensen underscored the need for key reforms to attract greater foreign investment.

He identified ensuring contract enforcement and predictability, maintaining a stable and transparent policy environment, and modernising business practices as critical priorities.

“Trust requires that contracts be honoured,” he said, stressing the importance of reducing regulatory opacity, lowering excessive tax burdens, and ensuring non-discriminatory licensing systems.

The envoy also emphasised the need for digitalisation of customs procedures, protection of intellectual property rights, and adherence to international labour and environmental standards.

Highlighting opportunities in the digital economy, he noted that a large share of transactions in Bangladesh remains cash-based, presenting significant potential for expansion of digital financial services by global firms such as Visa and Mastercard.

He also mentioned the presence and growing interest of leading US technology companies including Starlink, Google Pay and Microsoft in Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem.

Beyond technology, the United States expressed readiness to support Bangladesh in modernising key infrastructure sectors such as railways, ports and civil aviation, offering expertise in logistics, safety and system management.

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador invited the business community to participate in celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, including an “America Week” scheduled for July.

He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement, saying the relationship between the two countries is entering a new phase focused on expanding trade and advancing shared prosperity.​

 

[Saif]

ART is a shared commitment for Bangladesh, US: envoy

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Bangladesh is a shared commitment between the two trading partners, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Tuesday...

www.newagebd.net

ART is a shared commitment for Bangladesh, US: envoy
Staff Correspondent 28 April, 2026, 22:42

Commerce minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, US ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen an American Chamber of Commerce president Syed Ershad Ahmed, among others, are present at an AmCham event at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday. | Press release

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Bangladesh is a shared commitment between the two trading partners, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Tuesday.

He also said that the agreement is not a list of demands from the US; it is a shared commitment to Bangladesh’s future, providing a vision for an incredible future for both countries.

He was speaking at an event titled ‘Advancing US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership’, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) at a hotel in the capital.

‘The ART is an excellent agreement, which preserves Bangladesh’s access to the critical US market with competitive 19 per cent tariffs, down from 35 per cent without the agreement, while making changes in Bangladesh’s tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers designed to encourage imports from the US to balance our trade,’ he added.

He also said that they could not have lasting economic prosperity if those countries that export to the US, then import primarily from other countries, creating massive trade deficits.

‘If you are going to sell to us, you need to make an effort to buy from us,’ he added, saying that the full implementation of the deal could accelerate bilateral trade and Bangladesh’s broader economic development.

The ambassador noted that Bangladesh has committed to purchasing $3.5 billion worth of US agricultural products—including wheat, soy, cotton, and corn—as well as $15 billion in energy products over the next 15 years.

‘These aren’t aid packages; these are commercial deals that create jobs and opportunities in both our countries,’ he said.

The ART is also about unlocking Bangladesh’s potential, he said, adding that it is no secret that Bangladesh has long been a very tough place to do business.

He added that through the ART, he is not only speaking to American or foreign companies, as local businesses have also long been calling for the reforms outlined in the initiative.

Regarding the removal of the trade barriers, the envoy said that Bangladesh must improve the contract enforcement, a more predictable policy environment, and modernised business practices to attract greater US investment.

‘Bangladesh must streamline business registration and licensing, digitalise customs procedures, ensure regulatory decisions based on objective criteria, protect intellectual property rights, and enforce labour and environmental standards,’ he added.

Bangladesh would also bring important reforms, including prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labour and strengthening labour law enforcement, he added.

‘Bangladesh should build a partnership based on mutual benefits, transparency, fairness,’ he added, saying that US businesses would bring cutting-edge technology, capacity building, energy, and modern infrastructure.

At the event, commerce minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir stressed the need for export diversification, enhanced market access, and increased investment flows to further strengthen the economic partnership between Bangladesh and the US.

‘Although the US remains a key trading partner, Bangladesh’s exports are still heavily concentrated in a single sector, making the economy vulnerable,’ he added.

Highlighting the risks of over-dependence on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, he called for urgent measures to diversify the country’s export basket.

He said the government is prioritising sectors such as pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, agricultural products, light engineering, and information and communication technology to broaden export avenues.

On Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country category, he emphasised the importance of ensuring continued market access in developed countries.

He said Bangladesh has proposed a three-year extension of trade benefits to facilitate a smooth transition following graduation, expected in November 2029, and sought cooperation from the United States in this regard.

Regarding investment, the minister acknowledged the contribution of US investment in the energy sector but noted that overall inflows remain below potential.

He observed that fluctuations in US foreign direct investment in recent years highlight the need for stronger policy support to boost investor confidence.

He also underscored the importance of technology transfer and innovation, identifying the US as a key partner in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and ICT.

In his welcome remarks, AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed highlighted the chamber’s role in strengthening Bangladesh–US trade relations and noted the significant growth in bilateral trade over the years.

He also emphasised the importance of sustaining this partnership amid a changing global landscape, iterating the AmCham’s commitment to promoting responsible business practices and supporting a conducive environment for trade and investment.​