US officials discuss tariffs, trade ties with Tarique in virtual meeting

Officials of the US Trump administration on Friday held a virtual meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss the interim government’s negotiated tariff agreement and explore ways to strengthen bilateral trade ties.

The meeting was held from 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Tarique Rahman and a BNP representative joined from his residence, while the US delegation participated from Washington, DC.

From the BNP side, Humayun Kabir, joint secretary general and foreign affairs adviser to the BNP chairman, also took part in the discussion, said Saleh Shibly, press secretary to the BNP chairman.

The US delegation was led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Other participants included Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Emily Ashby, Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, USTR Chief of Staff Sam Mulopolous, and senior policy adviser to the Deputy USTR D R Seckinger.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of deepening trade engagement and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest to further enhance Bangladesh–US economic ties, sources said.