The imposition of high tariffs by the USA without following due process signals a flawed policy approach, said Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

The US-China trade tensions have created a global tariff storm, and Bangladesh is not immune, she said at a shadow parliament session held at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) in the capital today.

"The 37 percent tariff imposed on Bangladesh is also part of a flawed process," she said.

Fahmida pointed out that the tariff surge under US President Donald Trump serves as a wake-up call for Bangladesh as the country prepares to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) status.

"We will not receive tax benefits for long. Therefore, enhancing commercial capacity and strengthening trade diplomacy is crucial," she said.

She also warned that political unrest and institutional weaknesses could deter foreign investment.

"If political stability and law and order are maintained, and institutional reforms are carried out effectively, investment will rise regardless of political changes," she added.

Presiding over the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the 90-day suspension of the new US tariffs has brought temporary relief, and some purchase orders have resumed.

He said Bangladesh could benefit from the void created by the 145 percent tariff on Chinese products.

Kiron presented 10 recommendations, including diversifying exports, reviving generalised system of preference (GSP) benefits, ensuring timely repatriation of export earnings, and shifting incentives from cash to utilities.

The shadow parliament, titled "Bangladesh Will Be Able to Meet the Challenge of High Tariff Rates in the United States," was won by Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, defeating Manarat International University.