The DOGE has canceled a $29 million funding initiative aimed at supporting Bangladesh’s political landscape. This decision is part of broader spending cuts under the Trump administration to save taxpayer funds. Concurrently, discussions are ongoing for potential Starlink satellite internet services in Bangladesh amidst political unrest and strained US-Bangladesh relations.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk under the Donald Trump administration, has canceled a $29 million funding plan aimed at enhancing the political landscape in Bangladesh. This decision is among several cancellations aimed at saving taxpayer dollars, including other overseas projects. On February 15, 2025, DOGE announced, “USD 29M to ‘strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” has been stopped, highlighting a broader initiative to revise government spending. The canceled funding also included $10 million for medical services in Mozambique and $9.7 million for a youth skills program in Cambodia.
The Strengthening Political Landscape Project (SPL), previously financed by USAID and the UK’s Department for International Development, was designed to improve party capacities, reduce political violence, and encourage constructive engagement among political factions in Bangladesh. As detailed by Democracy International (DI), the program aimed to empower political activists and citizens to become effective leaders and advocates for inclusive policies.
In response to inquiries about the alleged US involvement in recent political unrest in Bangladesh, President Trump emphasized that the issue was primarily handled by India. He stated, “There is no role for our deep state…I will leave Bangladesh to the PM,” during a press engagement after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His comments suggest a shift away from US intervention in Bangladeshi affairs amidst concerns of religious violence targeting minorities.
Bangladesh’s relationship with India has strained significantly since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure amid protests, leading to criticism of the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, particularly regarding inaction against radical Islamist violence. Despite these tensions, Yunus is pursuing collaboration with Elon Musk for introducing Starlink satellite internet to Bangladesh, potentially enhancing internet access for national development.
DOGE’s recent cuts are not isolated, as the department also announced the cancellation of $22 million intended for voter turnout initiatives in India and $39 million for programs related to Nepalese federalism and biodiversity. This marks an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to streamline government expenditures and address previous funding allocations under the Biden administration.
The fiscal federalism program in Nepal, which began post-2015 constitution, involves policies dictating that “single penny expense is not levied without the consent of parliament”. This reflects the stringent financial accountability measures established by the Nepalese Constitution. With these actions, DOGE is actively pursuing budget cuts across various federal agencies, aligning with the administration’s overarching goal of reducing government size and expenditure.
In summary, the DOGE has made decisive cuts in international funding, including the cessation of a $29 million project in Bangladesh aimed at political stabilization. This move signals a broader strategy to reallocate US taxpayer dollars while addressing foreign aid expenditures that the current administration deems unnecessary. Additionally, discussions continue for potential technological partnerships in Bangladesh, showing a multifaceted approach despite political upheaval in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
