FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, Canada – The Global Justice Network Foundation is raising serious concerns over Canada’s recent announcement of $272.1 million in foreign aid to Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region. Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen unveiled the funding package on March 10, 2025, despite alarming reports of human rights violations and escalating violence under the current regime in Bangladesh.
It is well-documented that USAID previously funneled millions of dollars into efforts to destabilize Bangladesh’s democratically elected government. Since the transition to the Yunus-led administration, Bangladesh has experienced its worst human rights crisis since 1971. The country is plagued by lawlessness, with innocent civilians being murdered by militant groups and children subjected to horrific violence. The current government, with USAID’s backing, is actively orchestrating these atrocities and silencing opposition voices through state-sponsored terror.
Rather than upholding its commitment to human rights and democracy, Canada is now stepping into USAID’s role, injecting additional funds into a regime responsible for severe oppression and political instability. This decision comes at a time when Canadian citizens are facing economic hardships and trade wars, making such an allocation of taxpayer dollars both unjust and irresponsible.
The Global Justice Network Foundation is calling for the immediate suspension of all financial aid to Bangladesh and urging the Canadian government to:
- Immediately halt all funding to Bangladesh until an independent investigation into human rights violations is conducted.
- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended its aid operations in Bangladesh. This was announced in a letter from the agency on Sunday.
- Initiate a parliamentary review to ensure Canadian taxpayer funds are not supporting oppressive regimes.
- Reassess diplomatic relations with the Yunus administration and work with international human rights organizations to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Redirect funds to support struggling Canadian citizens rather than financing foreign governments involved in documented human rights abuses.
“Canada must stand on the right side of history. By funding an authoritarian regime with a proven track record of human rights violations, our government is complicit in the suffering of innocent people,” said Saifur Rahman, Director of the Global Justice Network Foundation. “We urge our nation’s leaders to take decisive action to ensure that Canadian resources are not used to fuel oppression abroad.”
The Global Justice Network Foundation calls upon Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party, and Mark Carney, the prospective Leader of the Liberal Party, to address this urgent issue and advocate for responsible foreign policy decisions that align with Canadian values.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Saifur Rahman
Director
Global Justice Network Foundation
Email: [email protected]