Will keep investing in Bangladesh: New USAID director

The USAID will continue to invest in the Bangladeshi people – whether it is building the skills of farmers, doctors, nurses, school teachers, or emergency responders – and equip the people with the tools they need to prosper in life.

New mission director Reed Aeschliman came up with this remark in a media dialogue at American Center Dhaka on Thursday.

"Empowering people enables us to reach our ultimate objective: to help Bangladeshis build a more resilient, democratic and prosperous society in which all citizens have an opportunity to thrive," he said.

To achieve this goal, he mentioned, three principles across all the USAID‍‍`s activities: a good partnership with the government, NGOs and other institutions and insividuals; an expansion of investment in local institutions; and harnessing the power of the private sector in achieving development goals.

Aeschliman also said, "Strengthening democratic principles is a critical cornerstone in maximizing economic growth in any country. Economic studies show that when it comes to growth, democracy significantly increases development – especially in health and human capital.

"Regardless of what challenges we face, the USAID is committed to stand with our Bangladeshi partners and working together for a more resilient and prosperous future," he said.

Replying to this question regarding upcoming general election that whether this organization face any impact, he said, "We do not dictate individuals or parties...we focus on institutions, not the result."

As a development partner, he said that the USAID would like to see a fair, free and a peaceful electoral process.

He also mentioned that the US donated nearly 115 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, built 900 multi-purpose shelters to protect people from disasters in last 20 years. 

Reed Aeschliman said that his organization trained farmers and producers of Bangladesh and their average combined sales ranged between $500 million and $700 million each year.

Each year, US investments help approximately one million farmers and producers to adopt new technologies that increase yields and enhance efficiency, he also claimed.  

Aeschliman served as USAID mission director in Pakistan between from 2022 to 2023, in Sri Lanka and Maldives from 2018 to 2022.