Selim Raihan

As the initial three-month pause approached its end, the United States started announcing new reciprocal tariff rates, generally in accordance with the initial rates released in April. While the Donald Trump-led administration has offered a small window for countries to strike a better deal before the tariffs come into effect on August 1, the latest development is bound to introduce new uncertainty into global trade and the economy.

The United States' levying a reciprocal tariff of 35 percent on Bangladeshi exports is a harsh economic blow

Financial sector's future hinges on effective execution of three-year reform

Reform shortfalls in key sectors still undermine Bangladesh's ability to cope with domestic economic challenges as well as external shocks.

The debt bubble is ominous, given Bangladesh’s narrow export base and heavy reliance on remittance inflows.

The proposed budget for 2025-26 fiscal year is at an opportune moment in Bangladesh's economic and political economy.

Such a tax would directly eat into the amount that families receive back home, discouraging many from sending remittances via official banking channels

The non-tariff barriers hurt Bangladesh-India trade, increasing costs and damaging bilateral trust

The separation of policy and operational functions is a good step. It reflects international best practices

The development of private sector capabilities is a prerequisite for securing sustainable economic growth.

It is worth looking beyond the immediate economic cost of the IMF loan

One major challenge is the escalation of uncertainty, a notable trend in the global trade regime.

Implementing the desired reforms in Bangladesh is particularly challenging due to the complexities of political and social realities.

Bangladesh must implement decisive measures to rectify its structural vulnerabilities, governance deficiencies, and external dependencies.

The global trade environment is becoming increasingly uncertain, and Bangladesh cannot afford to be complacent.

Reform proposes "pluralism" over "secularism," but without a framework, it's unworkable.

Reversing the unsatisfactory FDI trend requires bold, forward-thinking policies and decisive action.

The recent decisions of the interim government—tax hikes and the suspension of the TCB truck sale programme—clearly reflect the short-sightedness and inconsistency in state policies.

The current high level of inflation has already placed significant financial pressure on the common people, and increasing taxes in this context will create even more strain

The need for objectively assessing the country’s current economic realities cannot be overstated.