A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging legality of the trade agreement signed between Bangladesh and the United States (US).
Supreme Court lawyers Mohammad Maidul Islam Palak and Subir Nandi Das submitted the petition with the relevant branch of the court in the public interest.
The writ petition names the foreign secretary, finance secretary and commerce secretary as respondents.
Petitioners said the High Court bench comprising Justice Razik‑Al‑Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury may hear the petition.
The petition argues the agreement is “manifestly unreasonable, structurally imbalanced and harmful to Bangladesh’s national interest,” claiming the respondents failed to safeguard economic sovereignty and public welfare during its negotiation and signing.
The deal was signed in Washington, DC on 9 February, in the final days of the Bangladesh interim government.
Independent MP Rumeen Farhana has demanded its annulment in parliament, while political parties and organisations have echoed the call.
In addition, economists have urged renegotiation with the US for an acceptable solution.
