Strengthening of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission: Review of Existing Laws and Regulations

Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) organized a Focus Group Discussion for the study titled “Strengthening of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission: Review of Existing Laws and Regulations” on 4th May, 2026 at BFTI.

The study has been commissioned by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) and aims to review the existing legal and institutional framework governing the Commission. It also seeks to identify gaps and recommend necessary reforms to enhance BTTC’s effectiveness as a trade policy advisory body in the context of a rapidly evolving global trade environment.

Dr. Saif Uddin Ahammad, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Charge), BFTI and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, chaired the programme. Mr. Md. Enamul Haque, Member (Joint Secretary), Trade Remedies Division, BTTC, attended the event as Chief Guest.

Mr. Ahsanul Islam, Joint Director, BFTI, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the context for the discussion. Mr. Md. Abdul Latif, Project Director, Strengthening Capacity of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Project, BTTC also addressed the participants during the opening session.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Ms. Nasiba Khan, Research Coordinator of the Study and Research Associate, BFTI. It highlighted the preliminary findings and key areas for reform. The session brought together officials from various government agencies as well as representatives from the private sector.

Following the keynote presentation, Mr. Md. Moshiul Alam, Joint Chief, International Cooperation Division, acted as the discussant. An interactive open-floor discussion was subsequently held, moderated by Mr. Rashedul Kabir, Junior Consultant of the Study and Research Fellow (Academic Affairs) at BFTI. Participants from various government agencies and the private sector actively engaged in the discussion, offering valuable insights and feedback, which will contribute to the study’s findings and recommendations.

The session concluded with remarks by Dr. Md. Abdul Khaleque, Consultant to the study and Associate Professor, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka.