Trade deal with US to be examined

The government has decided to review the existing trade agreement with the United States rather than immediately moving towards its cancellation, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.

Zahed noted that while the agreement includes a provision allowing termination with 60 days’ notice, it also allows both countries to modify its terms through mutual discussions.

“In my view, a detailed review of the agreement should be conducted at the government level first,” he said, adding that the matter has already been discussed with the Prime Minister.

Describing the agreement as “very strong,” Zahed stressed the importance of carefully assessing both the implications of cancellation and the broader context in which it was originally signed.

The government is currently examining the agreement’s provisions internally.

He also indicated that certain clauses may need renegotiation if they are found to be potentially harmful to national interests.

“We are open to engaging in discussions with the United States to address problematic areas,” he said, noting that a sudden cancellation could create complications in bilateral relations, including potential tariff-related consequences.

Zahed further explained that international agreements vary in nature, from legally binding contracts to memorandums of understanding (MoUs), and that in many cases withdrawal can be more damaging than continuation.

Emphasising a cautious approach, he said a democratically elected government must consider multiple economic and diplomatic factors before making such decisions.