Bangladesh is advancing talks on several trade agreements — including Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) — despite lacking strong trade defense mechanisms to protect domestic industries, officials and experts have cautioned.

The government is currently negotiating multiple deals, with an EPA with Japan nearing completion. However, industry observers warn that the country’s limited institutional capacity leaves local firms exposed to unfair trade practices such as dumping and subsidies.

The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) operates a trade defence desk staffed by only five officials, one of whom is now on leave. Since its creation, the unit has not received any formal petitions from the private sector.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to face anti-dumping duties on several exports, including India’s restrictions on jute and Pakistan’s on hydrogen peroxide.

Former BTTC member Dr Mostafa Abid Khan said the mechanism exists but remains unused. “The industry must come forward first,” he noted, explaining that the process requires a detailed, evidence-based application before the government can act.

Local manufacturers have voiced concern over the alleged dumping of yarn and finished products. Partex Gypsum Board’s commercial head, AKM Alamgir Hussain, said his firm, which invested Tk 3,000 million and employs 3,000 workers, is struggling due to cheap imports from India, Thailand, and China.

Commerce ministry officials said while trade deals reduce tariffs and boost market access, they also heighten pressure on domestic industries, making anti-dumping and safeguard measures essential.