FTG's main task will be to make suggestions to the government for negotiations on the FTA with different countries. An inter-ministerial committee will finalise the framework for negotiations on the basis of inputs given by the FTG.

Representatives from major chambers and associations in Dhaka and divisional chamber bodies have been included in the FTG. Its first assignment will be to give suggestions for FTA talks with India to be held in October next.

The joint-secretary level meeting between Bangladesh and India on the proposed FTA will begin in Dhaka from October 20.

Sources said the FTG was formed at a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce with Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. Government officials concerned and private sector representatives attended the meeting.

"We are going to start talks on FTA not only with India but also with some other countries including Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Thailand," said a high official of the commerce ministry.

During the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Dhaka last month Bangladesh and India agreed to initiate talks on FTA by mid-October.

The commerce minister last month said India would need to fulfill some prerequisites, including special and preferential treatment to Bangladesh goods, to obtain positive results in the FTA negotiations.