DOGE, under the Trump administration, canceled a $29 million political funding initiative for Bangladesh aiming to save taxpayer dollars. This decision follows the political upheaval in Bangladesh and President Trump’s denial of U.S. involvement in such regime changes. The administration continues to cut multiple international funding projects, focusing more on domestic priorities.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the Trump administration, has canceled various international projects to save taxpayer dollars, including a notable $29 million initiative in Bangladesh aimed at enhancing the political landscape. This cancellation comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the involvement of the U.S. in Bangladesh’s political stability after the recent removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The canceled funding was part of a broader strategy by the DOGE to cut unnecessary expenditures, which highlighted other funding reductions such as $10 million for Mozambique’s voluntary medical male circumcision and $9.7 million for a UC Berkeley project focused on Cambodian youth.
The initiative in Bangladesh was previously supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and aimed to strengthen political parties, promote citizen engagement, and reduce political violence. According to Democracy International, the program was designed to empower activists and foster a respectful political discourse among constituents.
In a recent statement, President Trump denied any U.S. involvement in Bangladesh’s regime change, asserting that the situation has long been managed by India. His comments indicated a desire to minimize U.S. intervention in the country’s affairs, especially regarding allegations of radical Islamist activities targeting minorities.
Bangladesh’s relations with India have soured since the political upheaval in August, which led to criticism of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Yunus has reportedly discussed potential collaboration with Elon Musk on introducing Starlink satellite services to enhance internet connectivity in Bangladesh.
Additionally, DOGE has also eliminated other significant funding initiatives, including $22 million aimed at boosting voter turnout in India and $39 million associated with fiscal federalism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal. These cuts reflect a significant shift in the government’s fiscal policies under the Trump administration’s cost-cutting mandate.
The DOGE’s cancellation of the $29 million funding for Bangladesh serves as a significant indicator of the U.S. government’s withdrawal from international political support initiatives, reflecting a broader trend of budgetary constraints. President Trump’s insistence on non-involvement in Bangladesh’s political reshuffling further illustrates the administration’s commitment to distancing itself from foreign political entanglements. This strategic pivot also highlights shifting priorities away from global democratic initiatives towards purely domestic concerns, as evidenced by the multitude of slashed foreign aid projects.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
