Dhaka, May 8 -- Prime Minister's adviser for the Ministry of Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Wednesday said the government is committed to safeguarding national interests while pursuing deeper economic engagement with the US, amid the widespread discussions over the reciprocal trade agreement.

Talking to the newsmen after a meeting with a visiting US delegation at his office in the Bangladesh secretariat, Mr Titumir addressed concerns that the agreement may disproportionately favour Washington over Dhaka.

He said the present government has inherited a "distressed economy" and is now focusing on diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and boosting productivity.

"We believe in expanding our export base and strengthen...