"The MoI is designed to protect American interests in the country in defiance of its (Bangladesh) citizens' rights. The deal will strengthen the hand of an imperialist America that have been carrying out attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Badruddin Umar, president of the council, at a press conference in the city.

Faizul Hakim Lala, general secretary of the council, read out a written statement. Council leaders Pranesh Samaddar, Abdul Latif, Prosit Bikash Krisha and Hasibur Rahman were also present.

The leaders said the agreement put the Bangladeshis at risk of being punished for their anti-US stand.

To make the US happy, the government did not even bother to discuss the issue at parliament and signed the agreement in secret, they said.

The leaders alleged that the agreement makes it binding on the government to protect American interests without taking into account the fate of the Bangladeshi citizens.

"It is inconsistent with the people's right to know and freedom of expression," Umar said.

The MoI, signed during the visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca on May 19, aims at installation of the PISCES (Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System), a sophisticated computer software to document passengers travelling into and out of the country and check movement of suspected terrorists.

The council leaders said Bangladesh would not benefit from the deal, which would only protect the US interests.

The leaders also came down heavily on the opposition Awami League as it did not take any stand against the agreement.

The council will carry out a month-long 'mass awareness' campaign from May 26 and will hold rallies in all districts on June 14 to raise voice against the deal.