New Delhi: Days after the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released expenditure data on the US government’s efforts to strengthen democracy worldwide, Washington’s increasing financial and political involvement in Bangladesh raises questions about whether it was attempting to influence the country’s internal affairs—more specifically, whether it was trying to sway the election outcome in Dhaka. USAID increased its funding for democracy and governance programs in Bangladesh, and US-backed organizations engaged with opposition groups ahead of the January 7, 2024, elections.
Data shows a major increase in US financial assistance to Bangladesh, raising questions about its impact on the country’s political landscape. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has expanded its funding to Bangladesh year-on-year, particularly in the domain of democracy, human rights, and governance.
According to US government records, USAID funding to Bangladesh has seen a notable rise over the past four years. The pattern shows a growing focus on democracy, human rights & governance funding, with allocations reaching 10% of total aid in 2024. Bangladesh was the second-largest recipient of USAID funds in the region, following Afghanistan.
Bangladesh among top recipients of USAID in 2024
– Afghanistan: $596.7 million
– Bangladesh: $371.7 million
– Pakistan: $207.8 million
– Myanmar: $223.5 million
– India: $151.8 million
– Nepal: $123.8 million
Political influence through CEPPS and USAID programs?
A key component of US involvement in Bangladesh can be attributed to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), which collaborates with USAID to implement governance and democracy programs in other countries. Under the Democratic Elections and Political Processes (DEPP) initiative, CEPPS works with various international organisations to promote “inclusive and accountable governance”.
Pre-election US engagement and meetings
Concerns over potential US intervention in Bangladesh’s internal affairs grew after reports mentioned meetings between US-backed democracy organisations and opposition groups before the January 7, 2024, elections.
A US delegation arrived in Dhaka in early January to conduct an electoral violence risk assessment, ahead of the general elections. Representatives from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) met with the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) on January 2, 2024.
US delegation’s meet with Amar Bangladesh Party
The AB Party, formed in 2020 by reformist leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, is led by former bureaucrat AFM Solaiman Chowdhury and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Mujibur Rahman Manju. The meeting raised speculation about external support for opposition movements, given that Dhaka University—where US-backed civic education programs are promoted—was a hub of protests against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
