India, Feb. 6 -- With just days left for the general elections in Bangladesh, the country seems to have diverted its attention elsewhere - securing a trade deal with the United States. Both the countries are reportedly set to sign a trade pact on February 9, just three days before elections in Bangladesh. The country's commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman had reportedly confirmed the date of signing.

However, what has raised eyebrows is the "secrecy" of this deal. According to leading Bangladesh daily Prothom Alo, the terms of this deal remain unknown and the country has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the US to keep everything under wraps.

What further raises questions is the trade pact's finalisation at a time when Banglade...