Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumeen Farhana has proposed in parliament that the US trade agreement should be annulled.
She said the current government has the authority to cancel the deal and urged that it be brought before the House for discussion.
The lawmaker is speaking on a point of order during Wednesday’s session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
She also said the agreement was signed on 9 February, just three days before the national election, despite objections from civil society and think tanks who argued an unelected government should not sign such a deal.
Farhana said the accord, aimed at reducing trade deficits and covering imports of agricultural and energy products, contains clauses against Bangladesh’s interests.
She further said the interim government ignored calls to wait for an elected administration before signing.
In reply, Speaker Hafiz Uddin said, “This does not constitute a point of order. If you read Rule 301, you will see that a point of order must relate to an ongoing matter of the House or to maintaining discipline in parliamentary proceedings. You have raised a new question. If you submit a notice, it will be considered.”
