The United States has halted all USAID activities in Bangladesh under the Yunus regime, issuing an immediate stop-work directive to implementing partners in the country. This decision, communicated through a letter from Richard B. Aaron, Director of USAID’s Office of Acquisition & Assistance, aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order to reevaluate and realign U.S. foreign aid policies.
Key Directives in the Stop-Work Order
Cease All Activities:
USAID has instructed all partners to suspend their work under ongoing contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance instruments.
Cost Minimization:
Partners are required to take measures to minimize further costs related to their respective awards and await written notification before resuming activities.
Compliance Certification:
Implementing partners must submit a certification confirming that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) activities have ceased, as mandated by prior USAID notices.
The directive emphasizes adherence to provisions such as FAR Clause 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order, ensuring a swift and compliant response from partners.
Impact on Bangladesh and Future Guidance
This suspension is a significant diplomatic move, likely to disrupt ongoing projects aimed at development and humanitarian aid. USAID has assured partners of further guidance and support during the transition, while also requiring immediate confirmation of compliance with the order.
The cessation of aid underscores growing tensions between the U.S. and the Yunus-led regime, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region. As the situation unfolds, the broader implications of this suspension on Bangladesh’s development initiatives remain to be seen.