Essential to clarify exactly what the NDA covers
The US has reduced tariffs on Bangladeshi imports to 20%, down from the previously declared 35%, following months of negotiations. While the tariff cut is being touted as an achievement, one key question remains: What terms — confidential under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) — did we agree to? Though NDAs in such cases are not uncommon, it will be the next elected government, and by extension, the people, who will have to deal with the agreement’s long-term impacts. Experts weigh in on what the tariff cuts mean for Bangladesh
The NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) being mentioned in connection with the United States — what exactly is it?
Is it simply a standard confidentiality clause that prohibits disclosure of negotiation details during trade talks?
Or is it part of a long-term bilateral agreement covering broader aspects of the relationship?
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Keeping negotiation details confidential during discussions is quite normal — it helps prevent competitors from exploiting sensitive information.
I, too, have to sign such NDAs for many of my professional assignments. Once the work is done, there is usually no restriction on disclosing the details.
However, if the matter involves long-term conditions tied to a bilateral relationship — like the 25-year India-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty — then it is certainly something to be concerned about.
Therefore, it is essential to clarify exactly what the NDA covers.
Disclaimer: Collected from Kamal Ahmed's Facebook post.
Kamal Ahmed is the Chief of Media Reform Commission.
