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For example, Bangladesh is now exporting small plastic bags worth $4 million per month, with the US as the largest and fastest-growing destination. “We cannot, and should not, ignore this market.”

Manzur said he hoped the government’s outreach to the US would yield results quickly. “I hope that within the next 24 to 48 hours, we’ll be able to give our buyers some really good news.”

Former BGMEA President Rubana Huq echoed this hope. “We’re expecting a letter from our side that President Trump might tweet himself. That’s the kind of impact we’re aiming for.”

Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said the business community was “truly worried”. However, after Sunday’s discussions, they see a roadmap.

Chowdhury also called for support for other industries than garments. He said India once supplied about 30 percent of US pharmaceutical imports, and it has already lost some of that share in the sector, causing a drop in the share prices of Indian companies.

“This shift presents an opportunity for Bangladesh, especially for our pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities are emerging from all directions. For policymakers, this is a pivotal moment,” he added.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh was prepared to expand its commercial ties with the US, even if with the import of more essential goods such as LNG.

He emphasised that the government will ensure that exports from Bangladesh continue to flow. “Our garment sector is more competitive than many others. American consumers know this, and we aim to strengthen that perception further through private sector efficiency.”

Ahmed also stressed that beyond goods, there are many services Bangladesh can import from the US and offer other services in return.

Addressing the complex nature of trade barriers, he said: “Tariffs don’t always tell the full story. Non-tariff measures -- regulations, certifications and customs delays -- can also distort trade. We want to make sure American businesses don’t face unnecessary hurdles here.”

The government, Ahmed said, will work quickly to rationalise and streamline those barriers.

Commerce Adviser Bashir Uddin said they agreed that the tariff and non-tariff barriers in US-Bangladesh trade should be reviewed.

“Accordingly, we are taking steps to reassess and remove tariff-related and non-tariff barriers that hinder our trade,” he said.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said other countries like China and those in Europe were retaliating against the US over new tariffs, and it was unclear where the trade war would stop.

“The whole world will be jolted. But for us, things are going on according to the plan,” the adviser said.

He also said it was not possible to pass the burden of the hiked tariffs on to the workers. “Wage cannot be reduced. We rather need to improve productivity and capacity to supply world-class garments.”

Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser’s high representative on Rohingya and other priorities, said the government has been discussing this matter with US authorities since February. “Today, I feel encouraged by our discussion with the business community.”

He said the Bangladesh ambassador to the US spoke with the Assistant US Trade Representative. “The signals we’re receiving from there are aligned with our thoughts. So, we believe we’ll be able to finalise our positions within a day or two.”

Earlier, Bashir Uddin said he consulted US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson about communication strategies for negotiation with the US government.