After more than 50 years of partnership, Switzerland is ending its bilateral development activities in Bangladesh. The decision has been met with dismay by NGOs and experts alike – especially as the country is already taking a hit from the suspension of funding by USAID.
Switzerland has announced plans to cut CHF 431 million ($484.7 million) from its development cooperation budget over the next four years, following a recent parliamentary decision. This includes ending partnerships with Bangladesh, Zambia, and Albania by 2028. Other Western nations, including Sweden, France, and the Netherlands, have also reduced foreign aid. The United States is cutting billions in aid, impacting Bangladesh’s Rohingya r...