Bangladesh’s economic advisor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the impact of new US tariffs will be manageable. The government has initiated discussions with US authorities to mitigate the effects. He noted that recent efforts to control import costs have reduced the trade deficit, inflation was curbed during Ramadan and Eid, and foreign reserves are showing positive trends.

To attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), economists and business leaders have urged the interim government to take immediate steps to reduce the tariffs imposed by the United States.
BKMEA Executive Vice President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said, “We expected increased investments after the US imposed higher tariffs on China. But now, the same tariffs are being applied to us. If this continues, investment won’t come to Bangladesh.”
Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, emphasized the importance of sending a clear and positive message to the US.
Ehsan, Managing Director of Fatullah Apparels Ltd., echoed this sentiment, urging the government to take prompt action on tariff reductions.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has stated that Bangladesh’s exports to the United States will not decline; rather, they are poised to increase. Following an emergency meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser on Saturday, he said, “We hope for a positive response. Export volumes are expected to grow, and steps will be taken accordingly—not just in the US but in all countries where Bangladesh exports.”
The meeting began at 7 PM and involved senior officials including the Chief Adviser, advisors for finance, commerce, and foreign affairs, secretaries of relevant ministries, and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. Notably, BIDA held a three-hour meeting with major business leaders, giving significant consideration to exporters’ concerns.

U.S. stock markets took a major hit following China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, with major indices dropping around 6%.
After former President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, China responded by slapping an additional 34% tariff on all U.S. goods starting April 10.
The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq dropped 5.8%, and Dow Jones declined 5.5%, while the Russell 2000 dipped 4%. Analysts say this is the worst trading day since the onset of COVID-19.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a 25% tariff on selected U.S. automobile imports in response to what he called violations of free trade principles. Though Canada was initially exempt from Trump’s global tariff measures due to USMCA compliance, new U.S. policies have targeted various goods including vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
Calling Trump’s trade policies a “tragedy,” Carney warned that they could destabilize the global economy and marked the end of an era of American economic leadership.

The interim government of Bangladesh has shown little enthusiasm for implementing the IMF’s loan conditions, deeming them contrary to national interests. As a result, the IMF has delayed three installments of its loan disbursement. The key conditions set by the IMF include raising the exchange rate of the dollar, increasing electricity prices, and boosting tax revenue. However, with Bangladesh’s economic condition improving, the government feels less pressured to comply. Meanwhile, the IMF faces mounting resistance from multiple nations due to its stringent policies, forcing it to consider relaxing the conditions for Bangladesh.

In response to the recent tariff hikes imposed by the US—ranging from 15% to 37% on Bangladeshi products—the government is reviewing import duties on US goods. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated, “The National Board of Revenue is evaluating options for tariff rationalization.” Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Faiz Tayeb Ahmed, emphasized that while global economies brace for these new trade barriers, Bangladesh is positioning itself as an attractive destination for international investors by ensuring streamlined registration processes, export incentives, secure industrial zones, stable electricity, and reliable internet in its EPZs, Hi-Tech Parks, and Special Economic Zones. The US remains the largest market for Bangladesh’s garment industry, raising concerns over the long-term impact of these tariffs.

In an effort to strengthen regional stock market cooperation, the Dhaka Stock Exchange, Colombo Stock Exchange, and Pakistan Stock Exchange recently signed an agreement in Colombo. The agreement aims to facilitate joint initiatives in digital transformation, development of new financial products, market oversight, investor protection, human resource development, and cross-exchange training programs. Additionally, long-term plans will explore cross-border listings, brokerage partnerships, and institutional connectivity.

As Bangladesh faces its first challenge in securing the next tranche from the ongoing $4.7 billion IMF loan program, an IMF delegation is set to visit Dhaka on April 5. The delegation will engage in discussions with various government departments over two weeks, reviewing the conditions for the disbursement of $2.39 billion. Meetings are scheduled with the Finance Division, NBR, Power Division, BPDB, BERC, and the Energy & Mineral Resources Division. A press briefing will be held on April 17, and two rounds of meetings will be held with the Finance Adviser. Bangladesh hopes to receive two loan installments together.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $25 billion ahead of Eid, driven by record remittance inflows in March.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s total reserves rose to $25.44 billion on Thursday. Under the IMF’s BPM6 accounting method, reserves stood at $20.30 billion, while the usable reserves remain around $15 billion.

On March 9, Bangladesh Bank announced that it had cleared $1.75 billion in import payments through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for January and February, causing net reserves to drop to $19.75 billion at that time.

Bangladesh’s central bank is launching a major initiative to recover $25 billion laundered abroad, targeting 11 influential families suspected of illicit financial transfers to the UK, UAE, USA, Malaysia, and Singapore. Al Jazeera reports that a single family is accused of laundering assets worth $15 billion, including withdrawing 90% of deposits from a single bank. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur confirmed that Bangladesh Bank has begun discussions with British authorities and legal experts in London to seize and repatriate the stolen funds.

China will provide duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products until 2028, extending benefits for two years after Bangladesh transitions to a developing country. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang announced this during a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the Boao Forum for Asia. China also expressed interest in a free trade agreement and pledged support for Bangladesh’s interim government. Additionally, China will fund Mongla Port modernization, facilitate mango exports, and assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis through diplomatic efforts.

Remittance inflows have surged ahead of Eid, with expatriates sending nearly $3 billion in the first 26 days of March—setting a new record in Bangladesh’s history. This translates to approximately 36,000 crore taka. The previous highest remittance was $2.64 billion in December, followed by $2.53 billion in February.

Authorities attribute the increase to stricter measures against money laundering and informal money transfer systems (hundi) under the interim government.

Despite a continuous nine-day Eid holiday, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed assured that the country’s economy would not face any stagnation. Speaking at the Secretariat after a government procurement advisory meeting, he stated that most advisory council members would remain in Dhaka. While some secretaries are traveling abroad, he emphasized that decision-making would not be disrupted, as digital systems allow for remote governance. His remarks aim to dispel concerns about potential economic slowdowns during the extended holiday period.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that since taking office, Bangladesh’s exports have increased by 13%, and container handling rose by 7% in January.
"The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority has already begun addressing key issues such as licensing requirements and repatriation laws to facilitate investment. An international investment summit is being organized, where prominent global investors will participate. Global leaders are maintaining close ties with this government and giving it due importance."
He also mentioned that during his recent visit to the UAE, he requested the lifting of visa restrictions for Bangladeshi travelers. Efforts are underway in this regard, and UAE investors are showing interest in Bangladesh’s industrial sector.