The agreements made by the state cannot be cancelled at will and are not like personal contracts, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to journalists after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.
Responding to questions about the trade agreement with the United States, the minister said there was no reason for concern, adding that such arrangements should be viewed through the lens of mutual benefit.
"These agreements are made through coordination between two parties and are designed as win-win arrangements that consider the interests of both sides," he said.
"The current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity. Any agreement between states is not like a private contract that can be cancelled at will. We aim to make the best use of it to expand trade and investment."
He added that Bangladesh had already raised its position regarding a recent US investigation and sought clarification from the relevant authorities. "We have stated that it would have been better if such an investigation had not been initiated in the context of the existing agreement," he said.
Rejecting allegations of overcapacity or dumping, the minister said Bangladesh's production structure did not support such claims.
"There is no overcapacity in Bangladesh. We import most goods. Our exports, especially in the ready-made garment sector, operate under strict international compliance. There is no scope for labour law violations or child labour," he said.
On whether the agreement could be reconsidered, he said safeguards already exist within the framework.
"If any clause is not in the country's interest, there is scope to amend it within the agreement. It has a self-correcting mechanism," he said, adding that the provisions allow for adjustment where necessary.
He stressed that the government prioritises national interest in all international commitments.
The meeting also discussed broader issues related to strengthening Bangladesh-US trade and investment relations. Ministry of Commerce Secretary (Routine in charge) Abdur Rahim Khan was present.
