In yet another act of reckless desperation, the fascist, West-backed, pro-Islamist regime of Muhammad Yunus is rushing to lock Bangladesh into a shadowy, secret tariff agreement with the United States\u2014just three days before its sham February 12 “election”\u2014proving once again that this illegitimate junta prioritises groveling to Washington and selling out national interests over transparency, sovereignty, or the welfare of Bangladeshi industries and people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This so-called “bilateral tariff agreement,” set to be inked in Washington on February 9, reeks of backroom betrayal. The Yunus clique has already shackled itself with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to keep every detail hidden from the public, parliament, business leaders, and the nation\u2014classic authoritarian secrecy from a caretaker dictatorship terrified of scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No draft has been shared, no consultations held, no parliamentary debate allowed. Business titans from BGMEA to DCCI are left in the dark, fuming over being sidelined while the regime barters away the country’s future, reports the daily Prothom Alo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haque Khan rightly blasts the timing: “I was surprised to see the signing… just three days before the election. I still believe this should have been done after the election, because it carries major implications.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed echoes the outrage, slamming the unknown contents and urging that “the responsibility of signing such an agreement… should rest with a government elected by the people.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro-regime Daily Star questions Yunus\u2019 last-minute deals sans accountability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Khalilur Rahman defends Yunus regime\u2019s arms bonanza amid tension in Biman<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Irony Of Dependence: The Yunus regime\u2019s surge in rice imports from \u2018enemy\u2019 India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These aren’t fringe voices\u2014they represent the backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy, now forced to swallow whatever poison Yunus’s cronies have negotiated in secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regime’s spin? Lower tariffs on Bangladeshi exports (potentially from the current 20% reciprocal rate) in exchange for… what? Forced surges in US imports\u2014wheat, soybean oil, corn, cotton, LNG, aircraft, military equipment\u2014while slashing deals with China and opening the doors wide for American automobiles and parts with zero extra inspections or certifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn’t mutual benefit; it’s economic vassalage. Washington gets to flood Bangladesh’s market, widen its trade surplus, and dictate terms under the guise of “national security” and “digital trade”\u2014all while Yunus’ pro-Islamist, West-pandering junta bends over backwards to appease Trump and secure short-term crumbs for the garment sector at the expense of long-term sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro-regime economist Debapriya Bhattacharya nails the treachery: this isn’t just a tariff deal\u2014it’s laden with “geopolitical and political dimensions,” signed through a non-transparent process that ties the hands of any incoming elected government. Why the frantic rush at the regime’s dying breath? To saddle the next administration with irreversible concessions, preempt democratic debate, and cement Western influence before the facade of “interim” rule crumbles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamaat\u2019s Shadow Empire: Diplomatic charms abroad, authoritarian grip at home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whom should the US choose in Bangladesh: Jamaat, BNP, or Awami League?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n