Scrap ‘anti-state’ US trade deal

Prof Anu Muhammad yesterday expressed strong concern over parliament’s silence on the controversial trade agreement with the United States, demanding its immediate cancellation to protect the country’s economic security.

Speaking at a rally organised by the Democratic Rights Committee at Shahbagh in the capital, he said, “An elected government has come to power for the first time since 2014, but it is unfortunate that not a single lawmaker has uttered a word against this anti-state deal so far.”

The eminent economist alleged that the interim government signed the agreement in a “hurry” and with “over-enthusiasm” on February 9, just three days before the 13th national election.

Calling the move “beyond the jurisdiction” of the Prof Muhammad Yunus-led government, he said the debt and insecurity resulting from the deal would burden future generations.

He also described the agreement as a “colonial bond” that would allow the US to influence Bangladesh’s trade and military-strategic interests. He claimed it would force Bangladesh to import unnecessary items, such as Boeing aircraft and weapons, at exorbitant prices.

Stressing that parliament must ratify any international treaty for it to take effect, he placed a three-point demand.

They include immediate discussion and cancellation of the deal, publication of a white paper detailing the damages caused by the interim government and accountability for those responsible, and building national capacity for oil and gas exploration instead of relying on foreign companies.

Addressing the rally, researcher Maha Mirza termed the deal a “national betrayal”. She warned that it would force Bangladesh to import $15 billion worth of LNG exclusively from the US over the next 15 years, posing serious risks to the local energy sector.

She also cautioned that duty-free imports of US frozen beef, chicken, eggs, and powdered milk under the agreement will systematically destroy the local poultry and dairy industries.

Calling the agreement an act of “US subservience”, she urged the government to show resolve, citing Malaysia as an example, and scrap the deal.

Dhaka University Associate Professor Musahida Sultana, Democratic Rights Committee’s Mymensingh district representative Abul Kalam Al Azad, and physician Harun-or-Rashid also addressed the rally, which was moderated by rights activist Mahtabuddin Ahmed.