2nd Focus Group Discussion “Strengthening of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission: Review of Existing Laws and Regulations”

Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) organized the 2nd Focus Group Discussion for the study titled “Strengthening of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission: Review of Existing Laws and Regulations” on 13th May, 2026 at BFTI.

The study has been commissioned by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) to comprehensively review its existing legal and institutional framework. It also seeks to identify critical gaps and propose targeted reforms to strengthen BTTC’s role as an effective trade policy advisory body in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global trade environment.

Dr. Saif Uddin Ahammad, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Charge), BFTI and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, chaired the programme. In his opening remarks, Dr. Saif Uddin Ahammad underscored the timely and critical relevance of the study. He also expressed his gratitude to all participants for their valuable presence and active engagement in the event.

 Mr. Md. Enamul Haque, Member (Joint Secretary), Trade Remedies Division, BTTC, attended the event as Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the focus group discussion. He expressed his hope that the participants would provide forward-looking insights to support the development of BTTC.

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 of the study and identified several key areas requiring reform. The session was attended by officials from various government agencies alongside representatives from the private sector.

Following the keynote presentation, an interactive open-floor discussion was held, moderated by Rashedul Kabir. Junior Consultant of the Study and Research Fellow (Academic Affairs), BFTI. Participants actively engaged in the discussion and shared valuable insights 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.