Interim govt carried out major responsibility, says Fakhrul on US tariff cut

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (1 August) praised the interim government for its efforts in reducing the United States' reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods.

"There's good news today. As you all know, the US recently imposed a 35% tariff on our products. Through discussions led by our foreign ministry and relevant advisers, that rate has now been brought down to 20%. For this, I want to thank the interim government. They have carried out a major responsibility," he said while speaking at a rally in the capital's Uttara.

The rally, held in front of Amir Complex in Azampur, was organised by BNP's Dhaka North city unit to mark the anniversary of the July Uprising and to commemorate those who lost their lives.

Acknowledging the limitations of the government, Fakhrul said that many criticise the interim government for its inexperience and shortcomings.

"I had hoped that within a year, they would create a proper list of our martyrs and arrange their rehabilitation. Unfortunately, they have not fully succeeded, but they are trying," he added.

Referring to the Consensus Commission talks, the BNP secretary general said that the final meeting on reforms took place yesterday and they expect a complete report within a day or two.

Regarding the upcoming national election, the BNP leader mentioned that the chief adviser has announced that the election will be held in February, saying, "We want this election, people want this election."

"Need elections quickly, need parliament very quickly…a parliament where we can say our words."

He expressed hope that Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh very soon.