Yunus-era US deal could make governing extremely difficult: Habib

BNP Chairman’s adviser and Pabna district BNP convener Habibur Rahman Habib has said an agreement signed with the United States by the former interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus could make it extremely difficult for any government to run the country.

He made the remarks at a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.

Habib said he had strongly protested the former interim government’s plan to hand over the operation of Chattogram Port, questioning why an unelected interim administration would take such decisions.

“Whatever good government comes to power, governing the country will be extremely difficult because of this agreement,” he said, referring to an agreement with the United States signed on 9 February, three days before the 12th parliamentary election.

He claimed that Bangladesh would need US approval to purchase weapons for national sovereignty under the agreement.

“Many food items have to be imported. We will have to buy them at prices they determine,” he said, adding that there were many other provisions that could put pressure on Bangladesh.

Habib also opposed handing over Chattogram Port to any foreign entity, saying the operator would deduct its operational costs and profit before paying Bangladesh.

“As a result, our revenue will naturally be lower. A huge amount of dollars will leave the country through this port because payments to them will have to be made in dollars,” he said.

The BNP leader said the current government was elected by the people and would not compromise the country’s interests.

He also said Bangladesh was now able to stand more confidently in the international arena and claimed that other countries had started showing greater respect for the country.

Referring to India, Habib said the previous government had been eager to visit the neighbouring country, while India was now eager to bring the current government to its side.

He alleged that India was trying to impose new conditions but said the elected government would not bow to New Delhi.