Next steps
Government Watch
Source: BDPolicyLab Watch record and cited public sourcesAs of 2026-07-05
The Ministry is focused on managing economic risks and structural adjustments for LDC graduation, specifically diversifying exports and maintaining competitiveness.
Ministry officials participated in the China-South Asia Expo and Kunming Import and Export Fair.
Minister Muktadir announced a target to reduce business start-up timelines to 14 days.
Minister Muktadir stated the government is seeking an extension of the LDC graduation preparatory period.
Ministry established 12 January 1972. Minister Muktadir concurrently holds Industries and Textiles & Jute portfolios under BNP cabinet sworn in 17 February 2026. The US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement (signed 9 February 2026 by outgoing interim government days before election) is the dominant policy issue: it cuts US reciprocal tariff from ~37% to 19% and grants zero duty for RMG using US-origin cotton/fibres, but critics (CPD) argue government procurement and sovereignty clauses harm national interests. Bangladesh graduates LDC status 24 November 2026; EU EBA transition runs to November 2029, after which GSP+ compliance on labour, governance, and environment is required. RMG represents ~84% of Bangladesh's merchandise exports. staff_count and exact BDT budget figure for FY2025-26 not publicly disaggregated at ministry level in primary sources consulted.
Minister Muktadir attended a meeting regarding the revival of closed state-owned factories.
Commerce Secretary presided over a workshop on capacity building for market monitoring.
Source: 14 primary source linksAs of 2026-07-05