The Committee for Democratic Rights, in an open letter issued from a public protest in front of the National Parliament on June 7, called on the prime minister and all members of parliament, including those in the opposition, to question why a parliamentary discussion is not being held on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between Bangladesh and the United States, signed on February 10 under the interim government and to demand for taking steps for the cancellation of it. The letter was signed by, on behalf of The Committee for Democratic Rights, professor Anu Muhammad, Dr Harun-ur-Rashid and Dr Moshahida Sultana.
On behalf of responsible economists, researchers, teachers, professionals, lawyers, political activists, and citizens who stand in support of Bangladesh’s national interests, we are sending this open letter to you urging the initiation of necessary measures.
As you are aware, just three days before the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the interim government, keeping the people of the entire country in the dark and in the absence of a functioning national parliament, went beyond its mandate and signed a controversial trade agreement with the United States. Since the agreement was made public, it has sparked widespread public outrage. This is because the agreement contains provisions throughout that are not only contrary to Bangladesh’s national interests but also pose a serious threat to our trade sovereignty and national security.
In this context, we would like to remind the prime minister and ruling party parliament members that the foreign policy commitments made in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s election manifesto prior to the election, particularly the pledges to uphold sovereignty, national interest, and national security, would be directly violated if the US trade agreement remains in force. We also wish to remind opposition members of parliament that the July Charter, to which you often attach the highest importance, clearly stipulated that such agreements require parliamentary approval. Yet, no questions regarding this serious agreement were raised in parliament. The conduct of both ruling and opposition MPs (with the exception of one independent member of parliament) gives the impression that no such agreement, which could potentially impose long-term constraints on the country, has actually been signed. As citizens of Bangladesh, we demand a proper explanation for this dangerous silence on matters of national interest.
We would further like to remind you that the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US President, which disregarded World Trade Organisation rules, formed the backdrop of this US trade agreement. However, following the US Supreme Court’s declaration that such reciprocal tariffs are illegal, the legal basis of that context no longer exists within the United States itself. As a result, an agreement that would cause Bangladesh to lose substantial revenue; potentially bind us into military and economic dependence on the United States; and pose risks to our energy security, data security, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, poultry, dairy, fisheries, and state-owned sectors; and one that could severely harm domestic small and medium enterprises as well as endanger our environment and ecology — such an agreement, if cancelled, would no longer enable the imposition of additional high tariffs by the US administration under the Court’s ruling. At present, while the US President may impose an additional 10–15 per cent tariff under executive authority, such measures are limited to a maximum of 150 days. Beyond that, such tariffs cannot be imposed without approval from the US Congress. Therefore, under the current circumstances, there should be no obstacle to taking a position in favour of cancelling this agreement. We also demand an explanation as to what is preventing you from taking the necessary steps.
We also believe that in the context of an emerging shift away from a unipolar world order, entering into any trade agreement that undermines national interest and sovereignty and binds the country to the influence of a single superpower would create serious geopolitical, economic, and military risks, as well as insecurity. The consequences of such a path would not be favourable for the government, the opposition, or even the military — let alone the people.
Our responsibility should be to maintain all forms of international relations while ensuring the country’s independence and sovereignty and safeguarding national interests. Bangladesh was not born to be subservient to any state.
We demand that, as elected representatives, you do not ignore your serious responsibilities and instead hold a detailed discussion on this US ‘order-like’ trade agreement in the current session of parliament. We further urge you to take a decision to cancel it, in accordance with its provision for a 60-day notice period, and thereby free Bangladesh from the humiliating and dangerous constraints of this agreement.
At the same time, we call for a proper investigation into those involved in signing such a horrible unequal and unjust agreement at the expense of national interests, and demand that they be brought to justice.
