NPA demands suspension of ‘anti-people’ US trade deal

The newly formed political party draws comparisons with Malaysia and Cambodia on protecting national interests in foreign trade deals

Network for People’s Action (NPA), a new political platform, has called for the suspension of the regional trade agreement (RTA) signed with the United States during the final days of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Activists of the group held a protest rally in front of the South Plaza of the Parliament on Friday, urging the MPs to halt the ratification of the deal, which they termed "anti-people" and a threat to national sovereignty.

Anik Roy, a member of the NPA central council, read out a four-point charter of demand during the programme.

The group urged the government to initiate a debate in the current parliamentary session to effectively block the deal's implementation.

"The agreement has not yet been ratified by parliament. We demand a comprehensive legal review through a democratic process to suspend harmful clauses, such as the immediate zero-tariff access for 4,500 US products," the NPA said.

The organisation raised specific concerns regarding digital security, domestic industry, and food safety.

The organisation demanded a comparison of the deal with US trade agreements involving Malaysia and Cambodia.

The NPA noted that Malaysia protected its autonomy over agricultural biotechnology and subsidies, while Cambodia secured LDC benefits that Bangladesh should also claim.

The group demanded the rejection of clauses that undermine diplomatic flexibility.

They argued that trade negotiations must be separated from defence-related pacts like GSOMIA and ACSA.

The NPA called for an independent, multi-disciplinary commission to conduct an economic impact assessment within 30 days.

The commission should evaluate potential revenue losses and the long-term feasibility of high-value purchases, including $15 billion in LNG and $2.86 billion in Boeing aircraft, the NPA said.