Protest at Dhaka University Demands Cancellation of Trade Deal, Condemns Iran Attacks

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

A protest rally was held by the Democratic Student Alliance at Dhaka University to condemn the attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, and to demand the cancellation of the recent trade deal with the U.S. The event took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Raju Sculpture premises on campus.

Speakers accused that the trade agreement, signed just before elections during the interim government period, could be risky for the country’s economy and industrial sector. Writer and researcher Maha Mirza spoke in solidarity, saying that the agreement was hastily completed just two days before elections, raising transparency and accountability concerns. According to him, implementation of the deal could harm poultry, dairy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fisheries, and state-owned enterprises. He urged the BNP government to take a clear stance in Parliament and act to protect national interests.

Jabir Ahmed Jubel, General Secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, said the Bangladesh government’s stance regarding the Iran attacks was unclear. He alleged that a powerful group, citing limitations in national capability, was siding with foreign powers and remaining silent on opposition to the U.S. trade deal.

Naemuddin, organizer of the Dhaka city branch of Biplobi Chhatra Jubo Andolan, said that the public expected a clear anti-U.S. stance from parties claiming major political strength, but many parties act differently behind the scenes.

Notably, on February 9, during the interim government, Bangladesh and the U.S. signed a trade agreement. Sources indicate that the deal reduces the retaliatory tariff on Bangladeshi products from 20% to 19%.