Washington D.C.: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been accused of funding last year's regime change in Bangladesh, according to allegations made by a former State Department official. The claims suggest that USAID played a significant role in the political upheaval that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid fleeing to India amid widespread protests and violence in July.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mike Benz, a former State Department official, stated that the US backed the regime change in Bangladesh due to Sheikh Hasina Wajid's opposition to Washington's plans to establish a military base in the region to counter Chinese influence. Benz shared these allegations during an interview with Tucker Carlson, a right-wing US commentator, on the platform X, owned by businessman Elon Musk. Benz claimed that the US-based International Republican Institute received support from the State Department and USAID to 'destabilize Bangladeshi politics.'

Benz further elaborated that the destabilization efforts involved engaging the LGBT community, two Bangladeshi ethnic minority groups, and student organizations who had been protesting earlier due to local political issues. He mentioned collaboration with 170 'pro-democracy activists' and 304 informants as part of this initiative.

Additionally, Benz accused the US of financing Bangladeshi rap groups to produce songs and music videos that encouraged public protests. He claimed that these groups received full funding from the State Department and worked in close coordination with USAID, administering US programs throughout Bangladesh and globally.

These accusations emerge in the context of President Donald Trump's administration freezing USAID's budget. This move, led by Musk, cited concerns over misallocated funds and questioned USAID's alignment with the 'America First' policy. A statement from the White House argued that USAID's initiatives sometimes 'destabilize world peace' and do not serve American interests. However, critics of this stance argue that USAID's programs benefit US farmers, expand global opportunities for the US, and caution that closing the agency could strengthen rivals like China and Russia.

Historically, USAID has been instrumental in funding various non-governmental organizations to advance its mission of promoting global development and humanitarian assistance. Nonetheless, under directives from Musk, the Trump administration initiated the shutdown of USAID operations both domestically and internationally. This decision has led to significant disruptions in global aid programs, impacting numerous NGOs and media organizations that depended on USAID funding.