The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that allegations of USAID giving $29 million to an NGO in Bangladesh comprising two individuals is false.
US President Donald Trump last month made some statements regarding this alleged aid, which has led to widespread public confusion.
In response, the Foreign Ministry said it has investigated the matter and found that the allegations are not true, according to a press release issued by the ministry.
According to the press release, the investigation revealed that during Trump’s first term, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) selected the US-registered organization Democracy International (DI) to implement this project.
In response to the project proposal call, many international organizations participated in the tender process, and USAID made its decision following a transparent and competitive procedure.
"DI began implementing the project after signing the agreement in March 2017. The project duration was later extended, and its funding was disbursed in phases. Initially, the SPL project was designed as a five-year initiative with a budget of $14 million. It was managed by USAID and funded by both USAID and the UK’s development agency DFID (now FCDO). DFID had committed to contributing $10 million to the project."
The ministry continued: "The primary objectives of the SPL project were to reduce political violence, promote peace and harmony, foster peaceful coexistence among political parties, enhance their capacity, improve internal democratic practices within parties, and encourage the development of representative leadership. Under this project, DI also conducted survey activities in Bangladesh."
It said it is important to note that USAID-funded projects are required to strictly follow the financial management policies of the US government.
"The financial audit process is rigorously maintained, and project-related documents are preserved for several years even after completion. If necessary, re-audits are conducted."
The Foreign Ministry’s press release further said that the investigation confirms that during Trump’s first term, Democracy International, a US-registered organization, began implementing the SPL project in Bangladesh.
"Therefore, the claim that the project funds were given to an organization owned by two individuals in Bangladesh is false. In reality, such projects are implemented through bilateral development cooperation agreements between Bangladesh and the United States, leaving no room for individual involvement."
