Some tough choices have to be made: US embassy
Trump admin wants significant aid cut for Bangladesh
Govt yet to be formally notified, say officials
HUMAYUN KABIR BHUIYAN
The United States administration, led by President Donald Trump, has put forward request to the congress to significantly cut aid for Bangladesh for the upcoming fiscal year of 2018. In 2016 fiscal, the amount of aid received by Bangladesh stood at nearly $ 21.09 crore while the Trump administration made a request to provide Bangladesh with $ 13.84 crore for
the upcoming 2018 fiscal, according to the budget proposal posted on the website of the US state department on May 23.
The US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) bolster US national security, assert US leadership and influence, and advance our economic interests across the globe. The combined budget request of $37.6 billion for Fiscal Year 2018 reflects the Presidents commitment to a leaner, more efficient government, and ensures that every tax dollar spent is aligned with the Administrations foreign policy objectives, said a statement issued by the state departments spokesperson.
The budget request supports the Presidents America First vision with a commitment to four key national priorities, it said.
When contacted, officials of the economic relations division (ERD) and foreign ministry told The Independent that the government is yet to be notified about any aid budget cut. At the same time, they reminded that it is only a proposal and that the final figure might not be the one that was proposed by the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Dhaka said that the request for cut is about prioritising things and making tough choices.
Yes, we are aware of development by dint of the media. We have not been officially notified by the US government. As far as I know, it has been proposed by the administration and the congress may make changes, Shahidul Islam, ERD additional secretary (America wing), told The Independent yesterday.
But, a senior ERD official requesting anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media, said that any cut will certainly have a negative effect.
The amount involved in the proposed cut seems to be significant, he said.
We had this coming. It was Donald Trumps election pledge. We dont exactly know what the final figure will be, after the congress approval, said a senior foreign ministry official concerned.
To a question, the official said, I dont think the Dhaka-Washington relationship will be hurt due to the cut proposed.
When asked through email to elaborate the proposed aid cut and if this cut will negatively affect the bilateral relations between the two countries, Ann B. McConnell, director of the American Centre, forwarded the factsheet about the FY2018 Foreign Affairs and USAID Budget request.
Additionally, on bilateral relations, she said, As we work to streamline efforts to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of US taxpayer dollars, we acknowledge that we have to prioritize and make some tough choices. Focusing our efforts will allow the United States to advance our most important policy goals and national security interests, while ensuring that other donor countries contribute their fair share toward meeting global challenges.
We will continue to engage diplomatically with allies and partners to advance our US national interests and shared policy priorities, she added.
