Secret Trade Deal with the U.S. in Bangladesh? President Alleges Yunus Kept Terms Hidden

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s President Mohammad Shahabuddin has raised serious concerns over a trade deal finalized with the United States just days before the February general elections, alleging that even the President’s office was kept in the dark. The revelation has triggered questions about transparency and constitutional compliance during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus.

According to President Shahabuddin, Yunus’s interim government, which lasted 18 months following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August 2024, failed to follow constitutional protocols regarding foreign engagements. “The Constitution requires that the President be informed of all foreign trips, both before departure and after return. I was never briefed on Yunus’s 14–15 international trips, including the trade agreement with the United States,” Shahabuddin told Kaler Kantho in an exclusive interview.

Lack of Notification Sparks Controversy

Shahabuddin emphasized that he received neither verbal nor written notice about the deal. “All previous Presidents were duly informed about such agreements, as it is a constitutional duty. Yunus did not follow this protocol and never met me to discuss it,” he said.

The current government under Tariq Rahman has also expressed unease over the deal. A senior official confirmed that the Tariq administration would review the U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement, noting that amendments could be made in line with national interests.

Yunus’s Conduct Under Scrutiny

President Shahabuddin accused Yunus of prioritizing political maneuvers over constitutional obligations during his interim tenure. “Yunus focused entirely on removing me from office, orchestrating political conspiracies against me. I have no hesitation in stating that the interim government even plotted to unconstitutionally replace me with a former Chief Justice,” the President revealed.

This disclosure adds a new layer of scrutiny to Yunus’s interim government and raises questions about the secrecy and legality of international agreements concluded without presidential oversight.