US Chargé d’ Affaires meets Fakhrul, discusses tariffs, election

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed a range of issues, including the hike in US tariffs and the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.

The hour-long meeting began around 10am at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP's media cell.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said they held an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations between the two countries. "There was a long discussion, especially about the high tariffs that America has imposed on us. They wanted to know our opinion on how Bangladesh will handle the tariffs," he said.

The BNP leader said they expressed the view that it is necessary to find a suitable solution through cooperation and dialogue with the government. "As America has imposed high tariffs, this will seriously hamper our garment exports. We will work with the government and cooperate so that a simple and effective solution can be found," he said.

Besides, the BNP leader said, they discussed ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries in new areas.

Naturally, Khosru said, the upcoming national election in Bangladesh was also discussed at the meeting.

"We talked about our party's election preparations. They appreciated the recent meeting in London between our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus," he said.

The BNP leader said the US side recognised the significance of that meeting, as it brought a sense of relief and created a more positive environment in Bangladesh, with different parties and the public now becoming more focused on the upcoming election.

Following the London meeting, Khosru said there has been some progress towards setting a timeline and date for the next election in February, which has brought relief.

"This is a positive step not only for Bangladesh but also for other countries like the US that are planning their future engagement with Bangladesh. Having a clearer timeline allows them to make important decisions and move forward with their plans more effectively and easily," he said.

The meeting took place just hours before Fakhrul and eight other BNP leaders are scheduled to leave for China tonight (Sunday night) at the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).