REFAYET ULLAH MIRDHA

The hearing on the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) twin investigations into alleged overcapacity in various sectors and forced labour in Bangladesh is scheduled for April 29, as the country prepares for it.

“The hearing with the USTR will be held virtually,” Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star.

Last month, the USTR launched investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into Bangladesh and several other economies. The probe is examining whether trade policies and production practices contribute to global overcapacity that could harm US manufacturing, as part of Washington’s efforts to reshore supply chains and boost American jobs.

Separately, the USTR has also opened a forced labour investigation covering around 60 countries, including Bangladesh, to review enforcement actions against imports linked to forced labour.

Bangladesh was asked to set the date for a hearing where issues such as production capacity, labour practices, subsidies and non-tariff barriers are expected to be reviewed.

CONCERNS OVER OVERCAPACITY AND BANGLADESH’S RESPONSE

Regarding preparations for the hearing, Rahman said the USTR has raised concerns about He added