The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Rajbari District Committee held a protest rally on Wednesday demanding the cancellation of an alleged unequal trade agreement with the United States and halting the lease of Chattogram Port to foreign operators.
The rally, held at the Rajbari Railgate Shaheed Muktijoddha Memorial Square was presided over by CPB Rajbari District President Abdus Chamad Mia.
Addressing the gathering, leftist leaders heavily criticized the interim government for allegedly signing a "subservient" trade pact with the US prior to the elections. Speakers claimed the agreement binds Bangladesh to import $15 billion worth of overpriced liquefied natural gas (LNG) over 15 years along with expensive wheat, soybeans and 14 aircraft without open tenders.
Furthermore the speakers alleged deal grants the US duty-free access for 6,710 products, compared to just 1,638 for Bangladesh and restricts Dhaka from signing trade pacts with countries like China and Russia. They argued these conditions directly undermine national sovereignty.
"If this anti-national agreement is implemented, our economy will be severely damaged" the speakers warned.
Beyond the trade pact, leaders demanded an immediate halt to plans for leasing strategic assets at Chattogram Port, an end to the privatization of 44 state-owned factories, and a reduction in the public tax burden. The coalition threatened to launch a tougher, nationwide mass movement if the government proceeds with the port lease.
Other notable speakers included CPB District General Secretary Dhirendranath Das, National People's Front Coordinator Md. Chhamir Uddin and Revolutionary Communist League Secretary Sushanta Kumar Roy.
Watch footage from the CPB protest demanding the cancellation of the US trade agreement.
This short video provides visual context of the demonstrations organized by the Communist Party of Bangladesh regarding the controversial trade pact.
