The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that former US President Donald Trump’s claim regarding a $29 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bangladesh is inaccurate. In a press release issued on Monday (March 3), the ministry stated that the project, titled “Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) in Bangladesh,” was implemented transparently and in accordance with standard procedures.

The ministry’s statement came in response to recent remarks by Trump, which caused widespread confusion. Following an investigation, the ministry confirmed that the project was awarded to Democracy International (DI), a US-registered organization, during Trump’s first term. The selection process was competitive and transparent, with multiple international organizations participating in the bidding.

The SPL project, initially a 5-year initiative with a budget of $14million,wasfundedjointlybyUSAIDandtheUK\text{’}sDepartmentforInternationalDevelopment(DFID,nowFCDO)\mathrm{.}DFIDhadpledged$10 million for the project. The contract was signed in March 2017, and DI began implementation shortly after. The project’s duration was later extended, with funds disbursed in phases.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the SPL project aimed to reduce political violence, promote peace and coexistence, enhance the capacity of political parties, strengthen internal democratic practices, and encourage representative leadership. As part of the project, DI conducted surveys in Bangladesh.

The ministry also highlighted that USAID projects are subject to strict financial management policies, including rigorous auditing processes. Documentation related to such projects is preserved for years and can be re-examined if necessary.

The investigation revealed that the SPL project was implemented by Democracy International, a US-based organization, and not by any entity owned by individuals in Bangladesh, as alleged. The ministry further clarified that such projects are executed under bilateral development cooperation agreements between Bangladesh and the United States, leaving no room for individual influence.

The Foreign Ministry’s statement aims to dispel misinformation and reaffirm the transparency of international development projects in Bangladesh.