WTO’s attempt to control agri issues condemned

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Staff Correspondent - Daily Star
http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/10/29/d51029060969.htm

Speakers at a study circle have condemned the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for its 'unjust and undemocratic' attempt to control agricultural issues.
Voice, a research and advocacy forum, organised the study circle titled 'WTO ministerial conference, agreement on agriculture and farmers' rights' at Haji Osman Ali School auditorium in Mymensingh on Thursday.
Chaired by KM Shamsul Alam, headmaster of the school, the study circle was attended by local civil society members, teachers, students, farmers, trade union leaders and representatives from professional bodies.

The speakers laid emphasis on opposing strongly the WTO-imposed unjust trade and role of multinational companies.
Former BADC engineer Humayun Kabir, and farmers Fazlur Rahman, Abul Kasem and Abdus Salam demanded quota-and-duty-free market access to the developed countries and increased rate of subsidy in the agricultural sector. The participants also underlined the importance of launching movement to raising awareness among the common people about the bad impacts of WTO trade policies on our agriculture. Voice Co-ordinator Swadhin Chowdhury discussed the objectives and necessity to spread the movement while Farjana Akter, programme officer, presented the keynote paper.