Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin expressed optimism regarding the letter recently sent to the US administration, which aims to include 100 additional Bangladeshi products in the duty-free category to reduce trade deficit. “We haven’t received a response yet, but the intention is clear—we’re working to minimize the trade gap,” he said. Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that the Chief Adviser sent the letter to the Trump administration just yesterday. “We’re expecting a positive outcome. Both sides are willing to cooperate for a win-win situation,” he added.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose up to 50% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting a fierce response from Beijing, which warned that it will “fight to the end.” The escalating trade war has caused turmoil in global markets and increased fears of a recession. In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff on US goods effective Thursday. Trump then raised the stakes further, stating total tariffs on Chinese imports could reach 104% if Beijing does not back down. A Chinese spokesperson criticized the US for its “blackmailing tactics.”

During a routine patrol in the deep sea, the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Durjoy intercepted a vessel attempting to travel illegally to Indonesia, carrying 125 women and children. According to a statement from ISPR, further details regarding the incident will be disclosed later.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with Ki-Hak Sung, Chairman of South Korea’s Youngone Corporation, who is leading a delegation of South Korean investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka. Foreign investors have already visited several key economic zones including Anwara, Korean EPZ, and Mirsarai. On Tuesday, 36 investors from countries including China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, and India, as well as NRBs, toured the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj to assess facilities, work environments, and discuss logistics and energy concerns.

Former US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he is not considering suspending tariffs, although he indicated openness to negotiations. “Many countries are coming to us for deals, and they will make fair agreements. In some cases, they will pay significant tariffs,” Trump said. After speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, he added, “You have to open up your markets—we don’t sell cars in Japan, but Japan sells millions of cars in our country.” Trump also stated that even Israel, despite receiving $4 billion in US aid annually, won’t be exempt from tariffs.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder announced that Swedish firm Nilorn has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a factory in the special economic zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. The signing took place on the second day of BIDA’s four-day investment summit. Nilorn Bangladesh Ltd. Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone Managing Director Taro Kawachi signed the MoU.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States will enter direct talks with Iran regarding a potential nuclear agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister confirmed the development, calling it both an opportunity and a test. Trump emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and warned that failure in talks would result in dire consequences for Iran. Notably, Iran had previously rejected similar dialogue.

In response to widespread protests across Bangladesh condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza, Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Ramadan expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh. He praised their moral courage in standing with the oppressed and stated, “Your message to Palestine and the world is clear—you are not alone, and we are with you.” He added, “You have entered Palestinian history through the widest of doors. We will never forget your humanity or your support.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sent a letter to Donald Trump requesting a three-month suspension of U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi products. He emphasized that this grace period is critical to executing planned economic reforms and requested time for consultative meetings with U.S. officials.

As part of the ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025,’ organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), a delegation of 70 foreign investors visited two special industrial zones in Chattogram on the summit’s opening day. They toured factories and received a briefing from Youngone Corporation about its operations in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). Investors inquired about product lines, export volumes, employment statistics, and challenges in foreign investment. Despite administrative hurdles, representatives noted that Bangladesh remains a profitable investment destination.

Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has written to the U.S. Trade Representative seeking the removal of unfair tariffs on Bangladeshi exports. He noted that while Bangladesh imposes an average 6.10% duty on U.S. imports (with raw cotton and iron scrap at 0% and 1% respectively), the U.S. has withdrawn preferential treatment and imposed 15% tariffs on all Bangladeshi goods. Bangladesh is now considering adding 100 more U.S. products to its duty-free list as part of ongoing trade cooperation under the bilateral TIFA agreement.

As Israeli attacks in Gaza intensify, a group of youth staged a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Protesters stated their unwavering moral stance against this brutality and chanted slogans in support of Gaza. Security forces, including military personnel, were deployed in the area, forming a human barrier and conducting searches. Police later confirmed that the protest remained peaceful.

Following a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson in Dhaka, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said the counter-tariff measures by the Trump administration are unlikely to be suspended. “This gives us insight into how economies like ours are responding. We discussed barriers and aspirations and explored solutions,” he said, stressing that Bangladesh will adopt necessary economic steps to safeguard its interests.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Sunday that a Bangladeshi medical team has treated 457 patients in Myanmar following the recent earthquake, including 15 complex surgeries. According to the statement, the team provided medical services at Naypyidaw’s Zabuthiri Township Hospital (50 beds), a 100-bed hospital, and a 1,000-bed general hospital. On Sunday alone, 50 patients received medical attention, and three major surgeries were successfully conducted.

On Saturday, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister requested assistance from the Bangladeshi rescue team, which was then deployed to conduct operations at the collapsed Foreign Ministry building in Naypyidaw.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to protect Britain’s trade interests in response to former US President Donald Trump’s proposed “reciprocal tariffs.” While reaffirming the UK’s commitment to pursuing an economic agreement with the US, Starmer criticized the minimum 10% tariffs imposed on British goods, describing them as a significant threat.
Trump has also proposed a 25% tariff on UK steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
In response, the UK government is focusing on strengthening trade alliances and adopting new industrial strategies to shield the country’s trade sector from what Starmer called a “tariff storm.”