USAID Shutdown Leaves 50,000 Jobless in Bangladesh, Costs $700M in Aid

The abrupt termination of USAID-funded projects in Bangladesh has left over 50,000 development professionals unemployed and stripped the country of $700 million in critical assistance, Anadolu Agency reported citing the Association of Unemployed Development Professionals (AUDP).

At a Dhaka press conference on Tuesday, AUDP convener Zinat Ara Afroze revealed that 55 of 59 USAID programs ceased operations after the U.S. agency suspended grants in January. The shutdown impacted not only direct beneficiaries but also linked initiatives across sectors.

USAID Bangladesh notified implementing partners of the suspension in a January 25 letter, citing broader operational changes. Local media reports highlight growing concerns over the economic ripple effects, with displaced professionals urging swift government intervention.