Donald Trump’s recent claim that a shadowy Bangladeshi firm with just two employees pocketed $29 million from USAID has been firmly dismissed by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry.
In a sharp rebuttal on March 3, the ministry clarified that the funds were part of a legitimate, US-led project aimed at strengthening democracy in Bangladesh—not a mysterious pay-out to an unknown entity.
During a February 21 speech at the White House, Trump spun a tale about a “little firm” that allegedly received $29 million from USAID. “Two people working there—$10,000 here, $10,000 there—then bam, $29 million from Uncle Sam,” he claimed, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy.
However, the Foreign Ministry’s response laid bare the facts. The $29 million was allocated to the “Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) in Bangladesh” project, implemented by Democracy International—a US-registered organisation, not a Bangladeshi firm.
Launched in March 2017 after a global bidding process, SPL aimed to reduce political violence, foster party harmony, and strengthen grassroots democracy.
“No individuals received this money,” the ministry said. “The project is a bilateral initiative under the US-Bangladesh Development Objective Assistance Agreement.”
The ministry also provided a breakdown of the funding: SPL initially received $14 million over five years, with additional extensions.
USAID managed the project, with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID, now FCDO) contributing $10 million. Democracy International conducted surveys, workshops, and other activities—not funnelling cash to a phantom duo.
“Every dollar is accounted for under US financial regulations,” the ministry emphasised. “The project underwent rigorous audits and record-keeping, even after its completion.”
For Bangladesh, the SPL project was far from frivolous. It addressed real challenges, aiming to reduce political tensions and promote peace, coexistence, and stronger political institutions. “The goal was to foster a more stable and democratic political landscape,” the ministry noted.