‘Trump’s order paper’: Anu Muhammad calls for cancellation of US trade deal

Gonotantrik Odhikar Committee member and former Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad today demanded scrapping the trade deal with the United States.

Speaking at a protest rally on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, Prof Anu urged the BNP-led government not to implement any provision of the agreement without parliamentary debate.

The civic rights group, formed recently, organised the rally demanding cancellation of the deal signed on February 9 this year.

Presiding over the rally, Prof Anu said the agreement forces Bangladesh to import "unnecessary" items, including LNG at "inflated" prices, undermining energy security. He described the deal as “a directive prepared by the US administration,” accusing Bangladeshi signatories of acting as “agents” of foreign powers.

Criticising the clauses, he called the document “Trump’s order paper,” saying it imposes obligations on Bangladesh while threatening punitive action if they are not met. He warned that agriculture, poultry, and dairy sectors face devastation, as Bangladesh must accept US standards without conducting its own quality tests.

Prof Anu alleged that implementation has already begun with Boeing aircraft purchases and LNG imports, urging nationwide resistance.

He also criticised the government’s stance, saying it has shown “no proof of sovereignty” and is subjugated to international powers.

“The current government is elected by the people. The people elected Tarique Rahman. Yet the country is being run by the US, the Trump administration, the IMF, and corporate interests. This cannot continue. Those elected must be held accountable. The government is bound to answer to the people,” said the economist.

“The way out is simple. Since a US court has already declared Trump’s tariff structure illegal, if the Bangladesh government has even minimal backbone, responsibility, and commitment rooted in the Liberation War, it must find a way to exit this deal,” he added.

Demanding trial of those responsible, he said, “The Yunus-led interim government signed this deal. Those involved, including Khalilur Rahman, must face justice.”

The rally announced further protests in early July. In a written statement, platform member Moshahida Sultana said the interim government signed the deal “beyond its jurisdiction” just before the 13th National Election, posing a "grave threat" to national security.

Garment workers’ leader Mushrefa Mishu, Dhaka University teacher Rushad Faridi, and activist Baki Billah also spoke at the rally.