DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Economy & Trade

[object Object]

From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A citizens' platform in Bangladesh is demanding the cancellation of a trade agreement with the United States.
  • The Democratic Rights Committee argues the deal threatens Bangladesh's sovereignty, economy, and national security.
  • The platform criticizes the former interim government for signing the agreement and calls for an investigation into those involved.

A prominent citizens' platform in Bangladesh, the Democratic Rights Committee, has formally requested the immediate cancellation of a trade agreement signed with the United States. In an open letter addressed to the prime minister, the Speaker, and members of parliament, the committee voiced strong objections, citing significant concerns over sovereignty, economic stability, and national security. The agreement, signed by the former interim government just days before the national election in February, is described as "disastrous" and was executed without public knowledge. The committee, represented by economist Anu Muhammad, physician Harun-or-Rashid, and Dhaka University Associate Professor Moshahida Sultana, argues that several clauses within the pact pose a severe threat to Bangladesh's commercial interests and overall security. Furthermore, the platform contends that upholding the agreement would directly contradict the BNP's foreign policy pledges, which emphasized protecting national sovereignty and interests. The committee also directed criticism towards the opposition alliance, noting their failure to question the pact in parliament despite its stated importance. Citing a US Supreme Court ruling that declared "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the US president illegal, the platform asserts that the agreement's legal basis is now invalid. They are demanding the deal be scrapped with a 60-day notice and that a thorough investigation be conducted to hold accountable those responsible for signing what they deem an unequal treaty.

The BNP's election manifesto on foreign policy pledged to protect sovereignty, national interest, and national security. Keeping the US trade agreement intact would be a direct violation of that.

โ€” Democratic Rights CommitteeThe committee's open letter explaining why the trade agreement conflicts with national policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.