Official statement from USAID or US government

USAID Suspends All Assistance Programs in Bangladesh for 90 Days Following Trump's Executive Order

Jan 26, 2025, 10:53 AM

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended all assistance programs in Bangladesh for 90 days following an executive order by President Donald Trump. This decision, part of a broader freeze on foreign aid, was communicated through a letter to USAID's implementing partners in Bangladesh, directing them to immediately halt all ongoing projects and activities. The suspension affects contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, impacting various sectors including health, education, environment, and food security. The move has raised concerns among stakeholders, especially given that USAID's program in Bangladesh is the largest in Asia, with significant implications for ongoing initiatives. Exceptions to the aid freeze have been made for emergency food assistance and military funding for Israel and Egypt. USAID also oversees a large humanitarian assistance portfolio in Bangladesh in response to the Rohingya crisis.