Trump on USAID Funding: Dhaka Must Clarify Its Position

Experts Call for Clarity on Trump's USAID Remarks Amid Concerns in Bangladesh

• Development and governance experts urge the Bangladesh government to clarify its stance following confusion sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on USAID funding in Bangladesh.
• They suggest Trump's comments may be politically motivated and aimed at a domestic audience but could impact Bangladesh’s development sector, which plays a crucial role in socio-economic and democratic progress.
• Speaking at the White House Governors Working Session, Trump alleged that a $29 million USAID fund was given to a small firm with only two employees, calling it a scam.
• Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump further claimed that USAID funds were used to support a "radical left communist" in Bangladesh.
• These statements have raised concerns among Bangladeshi NGOs and professionals, particularly following Trump's announcement to halt U.S. funding for projects that do not align with his policies.
• Democracy International (DI), an American NGO, has been linked to the $29 million funding for the Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project in Bangladesh (2017-2024). DI declined to comment on the issue.
• A former DI project official questioned Trump's claim, stating that DI has over 40 employees and it is unclear how the fund could have gone to just two people.
• NGO professionals noted that all foreign-funded NGOs in Bangladesh require approval from the NGO Affairs Bureau, but its acting Director General, Md Anwar Hossain, said no approval was found for DI.
• The Economic Relations Division (ERD) receives quarterly reports from USAID on disbursed funds but could not immediately provide project details.
• Transparency International Bangladesh's Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, suggested that USAID may have directly funded DI under a U.S.-Bangladesh bilateral agreement.
• USAID committed $954 million to Bangladesh for 2021-2026, with $202 million allocated in an agreement signed last September. Since 1974, the U.S. has contributed over $8 billion across various sectors.
• Iftekharuzzaman speculated that the issue could be politically driven, linking DI to Trump's political rivals and suggesting that Bangladesh is being drawn into U.S. domestic politics.
• Former Ambassador to the U.S., M Humayun Kabir, emphasized that USAID ensures accountability and transparency, dismissing the claim that funding could be given to just two individuals.
• He noted that DI collaborates with multiple political parties, including Bangladesh’s Awami League.
• AKM Jashim Uddin, director of the Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh, warned that Trump’s remarks unfairly cast doubt on Bangladesh's NGO sector, which plays a vital role in national development.
• Experts stress that Bangladesh must issue a clear response to protect its dignity and maintain its development partnerships.