NCP voices concerns over trade deal
United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen held talks with National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on Bangladesh’s reform process, bilateral relations and the recently signed Bangladesh-US trade agreement.
The meeting took place at around 12:30pm at the NCP’s central office in Banglamotor, party sources said.
The US delegation included Political Counsellor Eric Gillan and Political Officer James Stewart. The NCP delegation comprised the party’s spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Head of the International Relations Cell Alauddin Mohammad, and members Monira Sharmin and Navid Nowroz Shah.
According to the NCP, the two sides reviewed Bangladesh-US relations against the backdrop of the evolving global economy and changing geopolitical landscape.
They also exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including through multilateral platforms.
During the meeting, NCP leaders raised what they described as public concerns regarding the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States.
In response, Ambassador Christensen and other members of the US delegation provided further clarification on the agreement and encouraged a careful examination of its provisions.
They expressed hope that the deal would create new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The discussions also covered the implementation of the referendum’s outcome and the reform agenda outlined in the July Charter, according to the party.
NCP leaders alleged that the government was proceeding with constitutional reforms through the Constitutional Amendment Committee without adequately reflecting the mandate expressed in the referendum. They also voiced concern over the overall reform process.
Responding to the issue, Ambassador Christensen underscored the importance of advancing democratic reforms through political dialogue, an inclusive process and the participation of all relevant stakeholders, the party said.
Following the meeting, Nahid Islam expressed optimism that Bangladesh and the United States would continue to strengthen their longstanding friendly relations through greater constructive engagement and cooperation.
