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Bangladesh may request an extension from the Trump administration beyond the current 90-day tariff pause, if necessary, to safeguard its trade interests, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.
“We will seek more time if required,” he said during his keynote address at a consultative meeting jointly organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR), held at a Dhaka hotel. “We aim to intensify our engagement with the Trump administration.”
A Realistic Budget on the Horizon
Dr. Ahmed reassured business leaders that their practical concerns would be taken into account in the upcoming national budget. He emphasised that the government is under significant pressure to boost revenue collection, and tax exemptions would no longer be the norm.
“This year’s budget will be realistic—not a traditional one filled with lofty but unimplemented promises,” he said. “Our goal is to make a budget that people continue to appreciate even after we’re gone.”
Business Competitiveness and Tax Responsibility
In light of increasing global competition, particularly due to the evolving US tariff policies, Dr. Ahmed urged business owners to adapt and enhance their competitiveness. “Trump has given us a three-month window. We’ll make the most of it—and request more time, if needed,” he said.
He also encouraged businesses to contribute to the nation by paying taxes, asserting that the era of broad exemptions and rebates is over. “You must understand—taxes lead to benefits. I pay tax, I get the benefit,” he noted. “Yes, we are listening to your demands. But you must also understand our constraints.”
Inclusivity and Policy Transparency
The finance adviser acknowledged that smaller business entities and marginal voices often go unheard. “We are working to ensure your inclusion. Your concerns matter to us,” he said.
Responding to criticism over current economic policies, Dr. Ahmed said, “We welcome criticism—it comes with the responsibility of governance. Yes, there may be mistakes, but we are trying our best to ease the burden on the general public.”
On IMF Negotiations
Regarding ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Ahmed clarified, “We have not yet finalized any terms with the IMF. We are consulting with all stakeholders, including the World Bank and others. Nothing is agreed upon yet.”
He concluded his remarks by calling for mutual patience and cooperation between the government and the business community: “Let’s work together—with empathy and understanding on both sides.”
