বাণিজ্যচুক্তি নয়, এটি মার্কিন প্রশাসনের ‘হুকুমনামা’: আনু মুহাম্মদ

Economist Anu Muhammad has labeled the trade agreement signed with the United States as a "decree" rather than a genuine trade deal. He argues that the agreement unilaterally dictates Bangladesh's obligations to the US administration. Speaking at a roundtable discussion organized by the "Anti-Imperialism and Anti-War Alliance," Muhammad stated that the pact forces Bangladesh to purchase more expensive US goods, disregarding market economics and WTO principles. The timing of the agreement, signed just three days before national elections, has also been questioned, especially as many other nations have avoided or are still negotiating similar deals. Fellow CPD Distinguished Fellow, Professor Mostafizur Rahman, echoed these concerns, calling the agreement "one-sided and unequal." He highlighted that the US court's subsequent cancellation of the additional tariffs that prompted the deal renders it unnecessary. Rahman warned that the agreement could lead to a substantial increase in tariffs on Bangladeshi exports, potentially reaching 45%, while non-signatory nations would be exempt.

This trade agreement is significant because it could negatively impact Bangladesh's economy, national security, and sovereignty by imposing unfavorable terms and increasing export costs.