Staff Reporter :
Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has advised Bangladesh to perceive the ongoing US tariff war not as a threat, but as a strategic opportunity.
Speaking at a seminar titled “The Toxic Therapy,” which focused on the implications of US reciprocal tariffs and the way forward for Bangladesh, he stated, “We should not fear US tariffs.
There’s no reason to panic – this is not a crisis that should shake our confidence. Instead, we must approach this tariff war as a chance to rethink and diversify our export strategies.”
The seminar, jointly organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), took place in the capital’s Motijheel area.
While commending the interim government’s current reform initiatives, Debapriya emphasised the need for more thoughtful planning and effective implementation. He called for broader engagement from the private sector, highlighting its essential role in driving sustainable economic reforms across various sectors.
Looking ahead, Debapriya urged that if the national election proceeds as scheduled, the incoming government should prioritise the formulation of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, with a clear focus on accelerating reforms and expanding export markets.
He also cautioned about the geopolitical complexities surrounding tariff issues, stating, “In trying to align with the United States, we must ensure that our relationships with other global partners are not compromised.”
Other speakers at the event echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the importance of strategic economic diplomacy and greater engagement with the United States through measures such as free trade agreements (FTAs) and increased imports of cotton and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US.
Key steps to strengthen Bangladesh’s resilience in the face of global trade challenges were also highlighted, including ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply to industries, fostering institutional private sector collaboration, and providing consistent policy support to businesses.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman addressed the seminar as the chief guest, while Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce – Bangladesh (ICC-B), spoke as a special guest. DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed delivered the welcome address, and Abul Kasem Khan, Chairperson of BUILD, provided the introductory remarks.
Panelists included Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh; Shams Mahmud, former DCCI President and Managing Director of Shasha Denims; Engineer Razeeb Haider, Director of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA); and Md Mezbaul Haque, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank.
