Dhaka: Even as US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with India, there is a concern in neighbouring Bangladesh over the country’s upcoming deal with Washington. The secrecy of the deal led to worry in the neighbouring country.
The secrecy in the deal has raised questions on whether the elected government of Mohammed Yunus even had the mandate to sign the deal. The development has come amid reports that the US administration backed the Yunus government using the same approach as used against the Sheikh Hasina government that led to the latter’s downfall in 2024.
Deal may impact Bangladeshi exports
The shareholders and export associations in the country fear that the deal with the US might affect Bangladesh’s exports, mainly in the textile industry. The sector is already facing difficulties due to Tariff’s imposed by US President Donald Trump. They are concerned that the deal would not only impact the country’s employment but also employment as well.
Also, the deal is likely to be signed on February 12, which means just three days before Bangladesh goes to the polls. This has led to questions on what basis the Yunus Government would sign the deal, that too when its time in office is limited. The Yunus Government had signed a non-disclosure deal with the US in 2025.
Hassle not limited to trade: Expert
As per experts, the hassle is not limited only to trade deals. Taking to Facebook, Anu Muhammad, a well-known Bangladeshi economist questioned the “urgency to lease a port, import arms, and sign subordination agreements with the United States just a few days before the national election”.
Recently, while speaking at a virtual event in Kolkata, Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed called the election a “sham”. He added that the election is being conducted to install a weak government that would work as per foreign interests.