US cancels financial aid to Bangladesh, India and other countries

As part of its cost-cutting drive to reduce the burden on US taxpayers, the Donald Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated several overseas projects, including one in Bangladesh that has drawn attention.

The department, reportedly led by billionaire Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of $29 million in funding allocated for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh.”

This development follows US President Donald Trump’s recent denial of allegations regarding America’s involvement in regime change in Bangladesh. The accusations surfaced after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year during a nationwide student-led protest.

The official DOGE handle posted on social media platform X, revealing a list of canceled US taxpayer-funded initiatives.

Other DOGE cancellations

In addition to the cuts in Bangladesh, other significant cancellations include:
•    $21 million for "voter turnout in India."
•    $39 million for "fiscal federalism" and "biodiversity conservation" in Nepal
•    $10 million for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
•    $1.5 million for "voter confidence" in Liberia
•    $14 million for "social cohesion" in Mali
•    $2.5 million for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa"
•    $47 million for "improving learning outcomes in Asia"

These moves are part of DOGE’s ongoing efforts to overhaul government spending, with Musk and his department focused on identifying areas to trim budgets and reduce financial outlays.

According to Democracy International (DI), SPL aimed to enhance political party capacity, improve relationships between parties and constituents, and curb political violence.

DI stated that the programme provided training to political activists and citizens, equipping them with leadership skills, advocacy tools for inclusive policies, and mechanisms to engage constructively in conflict resolution.

Additionally, SPL focused on reducing political violence by working with political parties, grassroots activists, and university students, monitoring violent incidents, and promoting peaceful alternatives.

(With inputs from agencies)