Bangladesh’s Yunus Rushes Secret Deal with Trump Following India-U.S. Trade Pact, Sparks Concerns

Dhaka: India’s recent trade agreements—with the European Union finalized and the India-U.S. deal announced by Donald Trump—have raised alarm in Bangladesh. The interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, is reportedly rushing to secure a secret trade agreement with the United States ahead of the February 12 elections.

Secret Deal Raises Questions
According to reports, Yunus wants to finalize the deal on February 9, three days before Bangladesh goes to polls. Experts are questioning why the interim government is pushing the agreement now rather than leaving it for the incoming elected administration. The secrecy surrounding the pact has also sparked concerns among exporters and stakeholders in Bangladesh’s textile sector, the backbone of the nation’s economy.

About 90% of Bangladesh’s exports to the U.S. consist of ready-made garments and textiles. Business leaders fear that the terms of the deal could negatively impact this vital sector, which has already been weakened by tariffs imposed by Donald Trump last year. Many worry that a rushed and opaque agreement could further destabilize the country’s economy.

Timing and Legitimacy in Question
Economists have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the deal. Yunus assumed power in August 2024 following the election victory of Sheikh Hasina’s government, leading an interim administration tasked mainly with conducting elections. The interim government’s sudden eagerness to sign a high-stakes trade deal days before polls has raised eyebrows.

Anu Mohammad, a Bangladeshi economist, noted that Yunus previously signed agreements involving port leases and arms imports shortly before elections, fueling suspicions about the secretive U.S. trade deal.

Deal Expected Before Elections
The America-Bangladesh trade agreement is expected to be signed on February 9, three days prior to the national elections on February 12. Observers question why the interim government is not leaving the deal for the newly elected administration, noting that the timing and secrecy could have serious implications for both Bangladesh’s economy and its democratic process.