Although the government repeatedly says “Bangladesh First”, in reality it is following an “America First” policy, economist Professor Anu Muhammad alleged at a discussion in the capital today.
“Tarique Rahman always says ‘Bangladesh First’. However, the agreement with the United States shows that the government is following an ‘America First’ policy,” Anu Muhammad said at a discussion titled “Two and a Half Months of BNP Government: Review, Concerns, and Demands” at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
The economist alleged that agreements made with the United States during the interim government are being implemented without any parliamentary discussion. He claimed that LNG imports, aircraft purchases, and port access permissions were done bypassing Petrobangla and Biman during the interim period, and the same is happening now.
He pointed to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and BDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, saying both were enthusiastic about signing various agreements including port deals, LNG imports from the US, and Boeing aircraft purchases. “They should have been investigated for signing such agreements against national interest that will impact the country for the next 40 years. Instead, they have been given more responsibility.”
Anu Muhammad said he sees no fundamental change in the governance structure of the 15-year Hasina era in critical sectors such as energy, power, and international agreements. “We have not seen the beginning of any change — whether in law and courts, or in international agreements, energy-power, education-culture.”
The professor said one of this government’s responsibilities is to publish a white paper on various agreements, activities and mob terrorism of the interim government. “But no government initiative is seen in this regard. The reason may be that the interim government made various decisions in consultation with these parties. Therefore, the government may have fears about reviewing the interim government’s activities.”
Criticising the government’s energy policy, Anu Muhammad said instead of increasing national capacity, the government is amending Production Sharing Contracts to benefit foreign companies under the influence of corporate lobbyists. He demanded 100 percent state ownership in oil and gas exploration.
Dhaka University Professor Samina Lutfa said university campuses have now become centres of political control rather than learning. “Even if one student organisation’s influence declines, another quickly occupies that space, perpetuating this cycle of political occupation. This environment gives rise to organised violence, which has now become known as mob rule.”
Author and researcher Altaf Parvez said although relations with India have improved, important issues like border killings and renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty remain unresolved. He also claimed that BNP promised to implement the July Charter in its election manifesto but later stalled the process by not joining the Constitutional Reform Council.
