SHUJAN’s Badiul dismisses US funding claims as 'fake news'

He says the organisation doesn’t receive foreign aid, rather runs on assistance from different individuals

Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of civil society platform Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik, or SHUJAN, has brushed off suggestions that organisation was the beneficiary of a substantial US grant aimed at strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh.

Recently, US President Donald Trump said $29 million from American taxpayers' money had gone to an organisation in Bangladesh that “no one has heard of” and consisted of only “two people”.

Trump’s statement caused a stir in Bangladesh, with many on social media speculating that the fund had been allocated to SHUJAN.

Speaking at an event at Dhaka's Manik Mia Avenue, Badiul said the allegations were “completely false”.

“SHUJAN is not a registered organisation. It can’t receive any foreign aid. It runs through contributions from various individuals,” he said.

“This is not only fake news, it’s deep fake news. The allies of autocrats are spreading such misinformation to stir controversy,” he added.

The project -- Strengthening Political Landscape in Bangladesh, or SPL -- was implemented by an NGO in the US -- Democracy International, according to US government documents. But Trump’s claim of an organisation run by only “two persons” could not be verified.

The Maryland-based organisation has implemented the project since 2017. The duration of the $29 million-project was until December 2024.

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on Monday said that they were awaiting further details about the grant.