The Global Justice Network Foundation has expressed deep concern over Canada’s recent announcement of $272.1 million in foreign aid. The funding is earmarked for Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region. The funding was announced by Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussain, on March 10. However, the decision comes despite alarming reports of human rights abuses and rising violence under the current regime in Bangladesh.
The organization claims that it is well documented that USAID (United States Agency for International Development) has spent millions of dollars to destabilize the democratically elected government of Bangladesh. Since the transition to the Yunus-led administration, Bangladesh has been going through its worst human rights crisis since 1971. The country is facing a lack of law and order; militant groups are killing innocent citizens and horrific violence is being perpetrated against children. The current government, with the support of USAID, is committing these atrocities and suppressing dissenting voices through state terrorism.
According to the Global Justice Network Foundation, instead of maintaining its commitment to human rights and democracy, Canada has now taken on the role of USAID. They are providing funds to a regime that is responsible for serious oppression and political instability. This decision has been made at a time when Canadian citizens are facing economic hardship and a trade war. The foundation claims that such an allocation of taxpayer money in these circumstances is unjust and irresponsible.
The Global Justice Network has called for the immediate suspension of all financial assistance to Bangladesh by the foundation and has made the following demands to the Canadian government:
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.
The organization is calling on Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilivre and Liberal Party Leader-elect Mark Carney to speak out on this urgent issue and advocate for a responsible foreign policy consistent with Canadian values.
Source: BD Digest
