Political parties silent on US pact, says Anu

Economist Professor Anu Muhammad on Thursday accused political parties of maintaining a “unity of silence” over the US-Bangladesh trade agreement, despite their differences on other issues.

Speaking at a rally at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar, organised by the Democratic Rights Committee, he claimed the deal signed by the interim government ahead of the national election was effectively an “order” from US President Donald Trump rather than a fair agreement.

He alleged that political parties had supported the pact for their own interests while ignoring national concerns.

“The agreement has been kept hidden from the people,” Anu Muhammad said, claiming that Bangladesh would be forced to import various products, including weapons and agricultural goods, from the US duty-free regardless of domestic requirements or costs. He warned that the deal could reduce government revenue and increase the tax and subsidy burden on ordinary citizens.

The economist also rejected the argument that US support is necessary to counter Indian influence, saying the US, India and China are closely linked through multinational corporate interests.

Calling for the cancellation of the agreement and other deals that he said go against national interests and the spirit of the July uprising, Anu Muhammad announced a series of nationwide protests.

The planned programmes include gatherings of women and indigenous communities, musical processions and art exhibitions.

Cultural organisations including Udichi, Samageet, Prachyanat and Bibartan performed at the rally, while poets Tahsin Reza, Ananya Mahmud and Masud Monirul recited poems.