Communist Party of Bangladesh protests US celebrations in Parliament

Speaking at the rally, CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan accused the government of pursuing a policy of appeasing the United States and warned that Bangladesh was being drawn into a relationship of dependence. He also criticized a trade agreement signed with the United States on February 9, calling for its immediate cancellation.

CPB leaders argued that the National Parliament is a symbol of Bangladesh's sovereignty and should not be used to host celebrations for a foreign country's national day. General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan stated that the decision undermined the country's independence and national dignity, recalling that the United States had supported Pakistan during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. He demanded an unconditional public apology from those responsible for authorizing the event.

Speakers at the rally expressed concern over what they described as growing U.S. influence in Bangladesh's economic, commercial, and strategic affairs. They warned that allowing such events at the Parliament raised serious questions about the country's independent foreign policy and called for those responsible for the decision to be held accountable. They also urged the government to ensure that national institutions and symbols of sovereignty are not used for similar events in the future.

The CPB reiterated its support for friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect but rejected what it described as hegemonic policies by major powers. Party leaders also criticized recent statements portraying the United States as a trusted ally, arguing that both the United States and Jamaat-e-Islami had historically opposed Bangladesh's independence. The rally concluded with the announcement of nationwide protests on July 8 to demand the cancellation of the U.S. trade agreement and to oppose the government's handling of the issue.