Trade agreement with US was made with the opinion of BNP-Jamaat: Farida Akhter

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor to the former interim government Farida Akhter said that the interim government had signed a trade agreement with the US with the opinion of political parties including BNP-Jamaat.

She said this at a discussion titled ‘What to do about Haore Boro paddy disaster and climate change’ organized by the New Agriculture Movement and UBINIG at the National Press Club in the capital on Tuesday (May 12).

Farida Akhtar said that the trade agreement that the interim government signed with the US three days before the 13th National Parliament elections was concluded with the opinion of opposition political parties including BNP-Jamaat. That is why they are not saying anything against the agreement now. According to the agreement, it can be canceled or amended if desired.

She also said that the agreement should be discussed in parliament and a decision needs to be taken based on the opinion of the people.

In his words, ‘Everyone should demand that this agreement be presented in parliament. A decision should be made after discussion and with the consent of the people.’

Three days before the national elections, a mutual trade agreement called ‘Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)’ was signed between Bangladesh and the United States on February 9. The agreement has been the subject of extensive discussion and criticism in political and economic circles recently.

Meanwhile, in a briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Prime Minister’s Information Advisor Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said that the government will review the benefits and harms of the agreement with the United States on its own.

He said that it will be verified whether there is anything against the interests of the state. If necessary, the agreement can be canceled with a six-month notice. However, such a decision may have adverse effects.