Why was the interim government so hesitant in signing a trade agreement with the US, asks Anu Muhammad

Economist and teacher Anu Muhammad has strongly criticized the interim government's 'overzealousness' and 'unsteadiness' in concluding a trade agreement with the US. She questioned why an unelected government was so busy signing such a long-term and controversial agreement just before the election.

She raised this question at a discussion meeting organized by 'Bangladesh LDC Graduation Watch' at the Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Thursday (February 19) morning. The main topic of the meeting was 'Bilateral Free Trade Agreement and the Profits and Losses of Bangladesh'.

Anu Muhammad said, why was the interim government so hesitant in signing this trade agreement with the US? They could have said if they wanted that an elected government is coming, you should talk to them. But instead of doing so, they have left Bangladesh in a state of limbo.

Referring specifically to the agreement with the US-based internet service provider 'Starlink', he said that a kind of 'lobbyist' role has been seen behind these agreements. Although some people within the government served as advisors or special assistants, their behavior was like representatives of various companies. He alleged that such over-enthusiasm has been observed among them since the budget period.

Calling on the newly elected government, the economist said that if Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's slogan of 'Bangladesh first' is true and if it considers it seriously, then the path to freedom from these terrible and anti-national agreements must be cleared. Those who made these unequal agreements must be held accountable and brought to justice.

The discussion meeting also said that there was no logic in signing this agreement on February 9, just a few days before the elections. Many countries in the world have not yet signed agreements on such terms. Even those who did, their terms of agreement are much more favorable than Bangladesh's. Anu Muhammad expressed concern that the agreement could put Bangladesh's economic future in deep crisis and demanded its immediate reconsideration.

Economists and prominent citizens were present at the event to highlight the technical and strategic risks of the trade agreement.