US aid
As reported, in 2008 the aid received by us from the USA amounted to US$151 million; while during the same period, Bangladesh exporters paid US$573 million as export tariff! Poor (nephew) Bangladesh paid rich (Uncle SAM)USA, US$422 million in excess of the total aid received! It confirms the saying that: "The rich are getting richer, and the poor are becoming poorer"!
Logically and rightfully this US tariff is a cruel burden on poor Bangladesh an LDC; with widespread poverty at the grassroots level! Why are we so unjustly taxed by our rich Uncle SAM? For justice and fair play, the US government should remove this unjust and high tax on our export.
They should rather give preferential treatment to LDC countries in the matter of Export tariff to the USA. The savings will encourage expansion and diversification of industries and products; thus help in increasing our export to the USA and other rich western countries.
We are grateful to the US for its aid, particularly during and after the recurring floods and other natural and climatic disasters, which are increasing in frequency and severity. Now we realise that this is caused by the adverse effect of carbon emission by the rich and developed countries that are indirectly punishing the poor and less developed countries like Bangladesh!
The issue is not something to be ignored, more so for a poor country like Bangladesh, which will be adversely affected by the oncoming effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Will our ministries in the government wake up to the matter?
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