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Rumeen said the ambassador highlighted several issues, including the trade imbalance between the two countries. Bangladesh exports goods to the US but does not import at the same level, resulting in a significant trade imbalance.

“This agreement was signed to address that deficit,” she added.

Regarding the agreement being signed days before the election, she said, “Members of civil society and think tanks said an unelected government should not sign such an agreement.”

“Unfortunately, the interim government did not heed those concerns and proceeded to sign the agreement on February 9,” she said.

Rumeen alleged the deal includes provisions against Bangladesh’s interests and should have only been signed by an elected government.

She sought additional time, saying the government could cancel the agreement within 60 days if it wished and reiterated her demand that it be placed before Parliament.

However, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad declined her request. “I am sorry, I cannot accept this as a point of order. A point of order must relate to an ongoing matter of Parliament. You have raised a new issue. Please submit a notice, and it will be considered,” he said.