Former adviser Farida claims interim govt discussed US trade deal with BNP, Jamaat
“Because of those discussions, no action is now being seen from these parties against the agreement,” she said.
Former fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhter has claimed that the interim government had held discussions with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other political parties regarding the trade agreement signed with the United States on 9 February, just three days before the national election.
"Because of those discussions, no action is now being seen from these parties against the agreement," she said while responding to questions from journalists at a discussion held at the National Press Club today (12 May).
Explaining the context of the agreement, Farida said, "The agreement was signed on 9 February, three days before the election. So naturally, questions about the interim government arise."
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"It is now clear and understandable that the interim government discussed this with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and those in the opposition. That is why they are not taking action against it now," she added.
Farida said, however, that the agreement could potentially harm the agricultural sector.
"There are two very important clauses in the agreement. One clause allows it to be modified. Another is that since the agreement is for 60 days, we can also cancel it," she added.
The former adviser further said, "One demand that you should raise is that it must be presented in parliament. It should be placed before parliament and implemented only after obtaining public consent."
On 9 February, Bangladesh and the United States jointly announced that they had signed a reciprocal trade agreement to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship.
As a result of the deal, the US agreed to reduce its reciprocal tariff rate on goods originating from Bangladesh to 19% from 20%. In return, Bangladesh agreed to provide significant preferential market access for US industrial and agricultural goods.
While the agreement has apparently brought some relief to the export-based readymade garment industry, it has also become a matter of debate in Bangladesh, as several clauses have raised concerns over national security and geopolitics, in addition to tariff concessions.
Economists and energy experts view the agreement as a potential threat to Bangladesh's energy security, as it may require the country to seek approval regarding whom it can procure fuel from.
Therefore, the conditions and restrictions under the agreement are likely to make Bangladesh more dependent on costly LNG, which could ultimately hinder the growth of renewable energy and limit access to cheaper energy alternatives.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said earlier today that the government would review the agreement rather than move towards immediate cancellation.
"If we look at the agreement, we will see there is an option to cancel it. It can be cancelled with a 60-day notice. That is one aspect. Another condition in the agreement is that the two countries can modify different provisions through discussions."
"From my position, I think we can at least first review the agreement at the government level," he said.
