DOGE Cancels $29 Million Bangladesh Political Project Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts
The Donald Trump administration’s DOGE has cancelled a $29 million political initiative in Bangladesh amid rising scrutiny and claims of U.S. involvement in the country’s political unrest. This action is part of extensive cost-cutting measures across various international projects, reflecting a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities under the current administration.
In a bid to reduce expenses for taxpayers, the Donald Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has decided to cancel numerous international projects, notably halting a $29 million initiative aimed at enhancing the political landscape in Bangladesh. This decision has drawn significant attention given the political context surrounding Bangladesh’s recent turmoil and allegations of U.S. involvement in its regime change.
The cancellation was announced via a post on X, wherein DOGE outlined the various funding projects that would no longer proceed. This list included $10 million earmarked for voluntary medical male circumcision in Mozambique and nearly $10 million intended for the University of California, Berkeley, to develop enterprise-driven skills among Cambodian youth, amongst others.
The program in question, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the former UK Department for International Development, aimed to bolster political party capacities and encourage peaceful political engagement while addressing the challenges of political violence in Bangladesh. It supported activists and citizens striving for leadership roles and policy advocacy.
In related developments, President Trump recently dismissed claims of U.S. interference in Bangladesh’s political crisis, asserting that India has been managing the situation for a long time. When questioned about possible Democratic regimes supporting the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Trump stated, “There is no role for our deep state.”
Bangladesh’s interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces significant criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness against attacks on religious minorities, as tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated since Hasina’s departure. The evolving dynamics in the region showcase the intricacy of international relations amid internal political strife.
Moreover, Yunus has initiated discussions with Elon Musk regarding the launch of Starlink satellite internet services in Bangladesh, highlighting a potential collaboration aimed at enhancing internet connectivity for national development. Following their video conference, Musk expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I look forward to it.”
DOGE’s recent funding cuts extend beyond the Bangladesh project, impacting several other initiatives, including $22 million intended for voter turnout in India and significant funding for Nepal’s biodiversity conservation efforts. These measures reflect the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to overhaul government spending and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.
The Trump administration’s DOGE has cancelled a $29 million project aimed at stabilizing Bangladesh’s political landscape as part of broader cost-cutting measures. This decision, set against a backdrop of political unrest and allegations of U.S. interference, signals a potential shift in American foreign policy priorities. Additionally, the administration’s other international funding cuts illustrate a renewed focus on domestic spending efficiency, aligning with Trump’s governmental restructuring goals.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
