Shafiqur calls for realistic approach to BD-US trade pact

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called for the trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States (US) to be viewed through the lens of reality, report agencies.

Speaking in the capital's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday after returning from Japan, the Leader of the Opposition said the deal is not the only agreement of its kind and there are many others like it.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus signed the trade pact with the US on February 9, just three days before the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with opponents arguing the deal ;undermines' the country's interests.

While the 131 conditions tied to the agreement are yet to be fully implemented, the government has already signed deals to import goods from the US, including Boeing aircraft.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who served as the national security adviser to the Yunus government during the signing of the pact, claimed that both the BNP and Jamaat gave their 'consent' to the deal.

Shafiqur Rahman said Japanese officials consider Bangladesh an important development partner and are interested in expanding bilateral cooperation in the coming years.

He stated that the discussions with them focused on investment, infrastructure development, educational exchange, skill development, disaster management, and broader cooperation in Bangladesh's development sector.

He said both sides also emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation of development projects. Cooperation in cancer treatment, rural development, and climate change mitigation also featured prominently in the talks.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he had also inquired about those injured during the July movement who are currently receiving treatment in Thailand, urging the government to ensure proper medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support for them.

Expressing concern over the country's law-and-order situation, he called on the government to take effective measures to curb crime and ensure public safety.

He also urged the authorities to closely monitor the market situation and take necessary steps to protect consumers.

A number of Jamaat leaders and activists welcomed him at the airport upon his return to Dhaka.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman left Dhaka for Japan on May 2, accompanied by Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a member of the party's Central Executive Council, and Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, foreign affairs adviser to the Jamaat Ameer.