The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to providing over $200 million to support Bangladesh’s interim government in advancing development, empowering youth, and strengthening governance.

The agreement was formalized through a signing ceremony at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka.

The deal was signed between USAID and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division (ERD), represented by ERD Additional Secretary AKM Shahabuddin and USAID Mission Director Reed J. Aeschliman.

The $202 million grant is part of USAID’s broader commitment of $954 million to Bangladesh for the 2021-2026 period. So far, USAID has disbursed $425 million of this total.

Speaking after the signing, Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Asia, emphasized that the new agreement aligns with the interim government’s focus on inclusive growth and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh. She noted that the aid will support economic stability, growth, healthcare improvements, and youth empowerment, with an overall goal of strengthening governance.

The U.S. has been a development partner of Bangladesh since 1972, contributing over $8 billion across various sectors, including democracy, governance, health, food security, education, and climate change, primarily through USAID.

Additionally, Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed held meetings with senior officials from the US Treasury Department and USAID, discussing financial sector reforms and increased cooperation between Bangladesh and the US, particularly in areas like export diversification and the recovery of laundered funds.