Bangladesh‍‍`s NGO bureau has no information on US $29M aid for political development

Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has revealed that the NGO Bureau does not possess any information about the $29 million aid reportedly provided by the United States to strengthen Bangladesh’s political landscape. 

This statement came in response to a question raised by journalists during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Addressing the issue, Touhid Hossain clarified, "There is no specific information regarding the $29 million aid that former US President Donald Trump mentioned. According to the NGO Bureau, they have no such records."

Recently, former US President Donald Trump made a statement during an event, claiming that the United States had provided $29 million to Bangladesh to boost its political situation. 

Trump remarked that this aid had been given to a small, previously unknown firm in Bangladesh, consisting of only two employees.

He further added, "We provided $29 million to a firm in Bangladesh that no one has heard of before, to support their political climate. This firm only has two people working for it. I believe they are very pleased. Soon, you’ll see their pictures featured in a major business magazine."

Regarding this claim, information from Democracy International shows that the Bangladesh-SPL project, funded by USAID and DFID, aimed to enhance the political parties‍‍` abilities, strengthen ties between political parties and citizens, and reduce political violence. 

This project was supposed to run from 2017 to 2024.

During the same briefing, Touhid Hossain addressed several questions about the relationship between Bangladesh and India. He emphasized, "Bangladesh will decide how it wants to build its relations with India, and Delhi must think accordingly. Bangladesh desires a respectful and equal working relationship with India. There have been different opinions at the policymaker level, but there‍‍`s no need to focus on those statements."

He further stated, "Statements from former Indian Prime Ministers tend to fuel tensions. We, as a country, will take responsibility for the safety of our minorities. It’s better for India not to interfere in our matters."

Additionally, Touhid Hossain pointed out that some Bangladeshis participating in the Ukraine-Russia war are being assisted by human trafficking rings.

He also mentioned that the United Nations Secretary-General is expected to visit Bangladesh, but the exact date has not yet been determined. Preparations for the visit are currently underway.

This report sheds light on how Bangladesh is handling international relations and aid, while also revealing sensitive dynamics with neighboring India and other global powers.