A protest rally was held at Shahbagh in the capital on Friday demanding the cancellation of a proposed trade agreement with the United States, which speakers described as “anti-national” and harmful to Bangladesh’s economic sovereignty.
The programme, organised by the Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee, began around 4pm and was attended by rights activists, academics and professionals.
Presiding over the rally, member of the committee Professor Anu Muhammad warned that the proposed agreement could significantly restrict Bangladesh’s independent trade decisions.
He said the deal might compel the country to import unnecessary goods or procure products from specific sources at higher prices, even when cheaper alternatives are available.
“This would create undue pressure on the economy and distort the market system,” he said, adding that the agreement could also limit Bangladesh’s ability to choose its trade partners and defence procurement sources independently.
He further cautioned that countries with political differences with the United States could become inaccessible for Bangladesh in terms of trade and cooperation, making the deal not just economic but a matter of national sovereignty.
Harun-or-Rashid, speaking at the rally, expressed concern over the potential impact on the pharmaceutical sector.
He said stricter intellectual property provisions could restrict the production of generic medicines, increase dependence on multinational companies, and drive up medicine prices, making healthcare more expensive.
Researcher Maha Mirza said the agreement could negatively affect local industries, including the poultry sector, and threaten the livelihoods of low-income people.
The rally, moderated by rights activist Mahtabuddin Ahmed, also heard remarks from Abul Kalam Azad, a representative from Mymensingh.
Speakers at the programme called for building a mass movement to resist what they described as efforts to open the country’s resources, markets and labour force to foreign interests.
They also urged unity among democratic forces to protect national interests.
Professor Anu Muhammad speaks at a protest rally organised by the Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee at Shahbagh in the capital on Friday. Photo: TIMES
