Bangladesh is moving quickly to finalise a trade agreement with the United States after India concluded a deal with Washington that lowered tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. The development has triggered concern in Dhaka that Bangladesh could lose market share in the US if it fails to secure comparable or better terms.

The US and Bangladesh are expected to sign the agreement on February 9, just three days before the country’s national election scheduled for February 12. The timing and lack of transparency surrounding the deal have drawn criticism from economists, business leaders and political observers.

Bangladesh’s economy is heavily dependent on ready-made garment exports, which account for nearly 90 per cent of its exports to the US. Any tariff disadvantage compared to India could significantly impact export orders and employment in the sector.

Tariff cuts under negotiation

The proposed agreement follows a series of tariff revisions imposed by Washington. In April 2025, the US imposed a steep 37 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi goods. This was reduced to 35 per cent in July and further lowered to 20 per cent in August.

According to reports, the upcoming deal is expected to bring tariffs down further to around 15 per cent. Officials see this as critical to keeping Bangladeshi exports competitive against Indian products in the US market.

Secrecy around negotiations raises concerns

Concerns have intensified due to the confidential nature of the negotiations. In mid-2025, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus signed a formal non-disclosure agreement with the US, committing to keep tariff and trade discussions confidential.

No draft of the agreement has been shared with the public, parliament or industry stakeholders. A commerce adviser had earlier stated that the deal would not go against national interests and could be made public with US consent.

Policy experts, however, argue that the lack of disclosure prevents meaningful debate on the agreement’s long-term implications.

Conditions reportedly linked to the deal

Media reports suggest that the agreement may include several conditions. These include reducing imports from China, increasing military procurement from the US, and allowing American goods easier access to the Bangladeshi market.

It is also reported that Bangladesh may be required to accept US standards and certifications without additional scrutiny. Inspections on US vehicle imports and parts could reportedly be eased to facilitate smoother entry into the local market.

A senior policy analyst described the process as opaque, noting that signing the agreement just days before elections could bind the hands of the next elected government.

Garment industry left in the dark

Bangladesh exports garments and textiles worth between $7 billion and $8.4 billion annually to the US, accounting for nearly 96 per cent of its total exports to the American market. In comparison, Bangladesh imports around $2 billion worth of goods from the US.

With India and Bangladesh exporting similar apparel products, lower tariffs for India could shift US buyers towards Indian suppliers. Industry leaders warn that this could put millions of jobs at risk in Bangladesh’s garment sector, which employs 4 to 5 million workers, most of them women.

The sector contributes over 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s export earnings and nearly 20 per cent of its GDP.

A senior garment exporters’ association official said the agreement carries major implications and should ideally have been signed after the election to allow broader political and public discussion.

Political timing draws criticism

Economists and analysts have also questioned why an unelected interim administration is finalising a major trade agreement so close to national elections. They argue that responsibility for implementing the deal will fall on the incoming elected government.

A prominent economist criticised the process as lacking transparency and warned that the country could be pushed into long-term commitments without adequate scrutiny or public consent.

Meanwhile, US diplomats have indicated openness to engaging with various political forces in Bangladesh, including Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned multiple times in the country’s history.

AAP leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Punjab’s Jalandhar on Friday after unidentified assailants opened fire at him near a gurdwara in the city.

According to initial information, Oberoi was inside his car near the Gurdwara Sahib in the Model Town area when attackers arrived on a two-wheeler and fired multiple rounds at him. Five bullets reportedly hit him during the attack.

He was rushed to a private hospital immediately after the shooting, but doctors declared him dead due to the severity of his injuries.

Attack near gurdwara, police launch investigation

As per preliminary details, Oberoi was parking his vehicle outside the gurdwara when the attackers struck. The shooting triggered panic in the area, prompting an immediate response from the local police.

A police team reached the spot soon after receiving information and has launched an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killing.

Political reactions after killing

Following the incident, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, strongly criticised the state government, alleging a collapse of law and order in Punjab.

In a post on X, Bajwa said the daylight killing of an AAP leader outside a gurdwara reflected the deteriorating security situation in the state. He questioned the government’s ability to protect citizens, claiming that fear and gang violence were gripping Punjab under the current administration.

Background

Lucky Oberoi was associated with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. His wife had earlier contested municipal elections as an AAP candidate but did not win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students from across the country on Friday at 10 am as part of the annual Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) programme. The 2026 edition continues the initiative’s focus on reducing exam-related stress and encouraging students to prioritise learning over pressure.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister invited students, parents and teachers to watch Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, noting that this year’s discussions will cover topics related to examinations, the importance of staying stress-free and maintaining focus on learning. He described the programme as a platform he enjoys, as it allows him to engage directly with young minds from different parts of the country.

Aligned with NEP 2020 vision

The Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises holistic development, mental well-being and a supportive learning environment. The programme seeks to transform how examinations are perceived by fostering confidence, positivity and celebrating the exam season as a learning festival rather than a source of anxiety.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Education, the Prime Minister has also shared his views on examinations and student well-being in his book Exam Warriors. Available in multiple languages as well as Braille, the book highlights the importance of self-belief and open conversations around stress so that children can enjoy a balanced and fulfilling childhood.

Student participation in pre-event activities

Conceptualised by the Prime Minister, Pariksha Pe Charcha introduces new and engaging elements every year. In the lead-up to the 2026 edition, several student-focused activities were organised across schools nationwide. These included the Swadeshi Sankalp Daud, a student-led run or walk promoting the spirit of self-reliance, along with quiz and writing competitions conducted at selected Kendriya Vidyalayas on Parakram Diwas.

The Ministry of Education stated that approximately 4.81 crore students participated in these pre-event activities, reflecting the scale and reach of the initiative.