Dhaka, Aug. 1 -- Bangladesh secured a 20% US tariff rate-comparable to its key apparel-sector competitors such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan and Indonesia, which received rates between 19% and 20%.

As a result, Bangladesh's relative competitiveness in apparel exports remains unaffected.

By contrast, India received a 25% tariff after failing to reach a comprehensive agreement with the US.

"We negotiated carefully to ensure that our commitments aligned with our national interests and capacity," said Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh's National Security Advisor and lead negotiator.

"Protecting our apparel industry was a top priority, but we also focused our purchase commitments on U.S. agricultural products. This supports our food securit...