Former Jahangirnagar University economics professor Anu Muhammad on Friday said a trade agreement with the United States would go against Bangladesh’s long-term national interests.
Speaking at a rally in Shahbagh in the capital, organised by the Democratic Rights Committee demanding cancellation of the proposed US trade agreement, he said such deals would not be limited to trade matters but would amount to interference in the country’s economic sovereignty and policy-making.
He said countries with political differences with the United States would also find it difficult to maintain mutually beneficial relations with Bangladesh under such arrangements.
According to him, such agreements could create pressure to import goods that are not necessary for the country, while cheaper alternatives from other countries might be replaced by costlier imports from designated sources, increasing economic burden and distorting markets.
He also said decision-making on trade partners and procurement, including defence-related imports, could become influenced by US interests.
The discussion was moderated by rights activist Mahtab Uddin Ahmed. Speakers included Abul Kalam Al Azad, Maha Mirza and Dr Harun-or-Rashid, among others.
Dr Harun-or-Rashid said the agreement could pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector, arguing that flexible patent policies had enabled local production of generic medicines, which could be affected by stricter intellectual property rules.
Maha Mirza said the agreement could harm local industries, including the poultry sector, and affect the livelihoods of low-income groups. She said no government could remain in power long by signing “anti-people” agreements and called for protection of small and cottage industries.
