#Development #Employment #Bangladesh #USaid
In Bangladesh, 55 out of 59 programs run in collaboration with USAID have been halted, leading to job losses in the development sector. Over 50,000 individuals have lost their jobs due to these closures, while more than 50,000 professionals have been affected by projects and related initiatives associated with the shutdowns. The country has lost an estimated $70 million in development assistance.
Jinat Ara Afroze, the coordinator of the Association of Unemployed Development Entrepreneurs (AUDE), shared this information during a press conference held in Dhaka on Tuesday. In a written statement, Afroze highlighted the impact of the closures on employment and the country’s economy. She also requested immediate dialogue with USAID to seek solutions to the issues at hand.
In a letter dated January 25, the US Embassy in Bangladesh informed project implementers about the suspension of activities. The letter stated that the agency had announced a halt or suspension of any ongoing work, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or procurement of equipment with Bangladesh and other partner countries. This decision follows an executive order issued by former US President Donald Trump, which required a reassessment of USAID’s economic support programs globally within 90 days.
Ramesh Khatri, representative of Kansai Nepal News, commented that the suspension of these programs could have far-reaching implications on the development landscape in Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of finding a swift resolution to the challenges faced by the affected projects and professionals.
—
Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: May 28, 2025 3:00 am
