Quickpost | Dhaka
Just days before Bangladesh heads to the polls, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is facing growing criticism over a flurry of international agreements signed on the eve of the national election. Political analysts and civil society groups argue that the last-minute deals lack transparency and risk binding the hands of the next elected government.
A Wave of Late Agreements
In recent weeks, the interim administration has moved swiftly on economic, defence and trade partnerships. These include:
- A new tariff and trade understanding with the United States
- Defence technology cooperation with Japan
- An agreement with China to establish a drone manufacturing and assembly facility in Bangladesh
Critics say such long-term and strategic commitments go beyond the mandate of an interim government, whose primary responsibility is to oversee a credible election and maintain administrative neutrality.
Defence and Port Deals Under Scrutiny
The strongest backlash has centred on defence procurement and port management initiatives. Discussions reportedly include potential acquisitions of fighter aircraft and helicopters from multiple countries. At the same time, the government has initiated plans to hand over management of key ports—including Chattogram, Laldia and Pangaon—to foreign operators on long-term contracts.
Opposition voices and labour groups complain that most of these agreements contain confidentiality clauses, preventing public disclosure of terms. As a result, concerns are mounting over workers’ rights, national sovereignty and long-term economic implications.
Experts Raise Red Flags
Policy experts say the issue goes beyond routine administration and strikes at the heart of state policy.
Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University warned that signing strategic deals without broad political consensus could constrain future foreign policy choices.
Economist Anu Muhammad described the agreements as “opaque and irregular,” questioning whether foreign lobbying played a role.
Transparency International Bangladesh has also cautioned that rushed decisions at this stage undermine accountability.
Government’s Position
The government, however, maintains that the agreements serve Bangladesh’s long-term interests. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said the deals would strengthen the country’s global standing and make it easier for the next government to engage internationally.
What Comes Next
Many analysts are calling for the next parliament to review all agreements signed during the interim period. They argue that publishing white papers and subjecting the deals to parliamentary scrutiny would help restore public trust.
As the election approaches, the controversy highlights a deeper question: whether last-minute governance decisions will erode confidence in the political transition or be validated by future oversight.
Sources:
The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Transparency International Bangladesh
