The United States, under President Donald Trump, has decided to halt all aid to the Bangladesh government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The latest move comes as the US government, through its donor agency USAID, announced the immediate cessation of all work in Bangladesh, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other procurement instruments.

In a letter issued by USAID, the agency informed partners that all projects under its Bangladesh operations were to be suspended, citing a recent executive order by President Trump. The letter stated: “This letter is directing all USAID/Bangladesh implementing partners to immediately cease or suspend any work under your USAID/Bangladesh contract, work order, grant, cooperative agreement, or other assistance or acquisition instrument.”

This decision comes as a shock to many, especially given the current economic crisis in Bangladesh. The country, already grappling with a dire financial situation, now faces even more significant challenges following the suspension of US aid.