The reciprocal trade deal signed by the interim government with the United States has raised questions regarding the economic sovereignty of Bangladesh, especially in decisions on trade, energy and security.

The interim government has disclosed parts of the recently signed trade agreement with the United States, under which the reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods was reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent after nine months of negotiation.

Bangladesh’s recently signed trade deal with the United States promises slight tariff relief but carries deeper implications for fiscal stability, foreign policy and democratic transparency, according to Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

Bangladesh secures a marginal US tariff cut to 19%, but commits to billions of dollars in purchases

The deal also includes $3.5b worth of agricultural items, Boeing jets from Washington

Under the agreement, the tariff rate on Bangladeshi products may fall to 18 percent from the current 20 percent