The $21 million grant was allocated to Bangladesh, where it supported a programme called Amar Vote Amar (My Vote is Mine). The programme was later renamed the Nagorik (Citizen) Programme.

Between July 2022 and October 2024, this $21 million was distributed to three key organisations:

• International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

• International Republican Institute (IRI)

• National Democratic Institute (NDI)

These US-based organisations carried out initiatives aimed at promoting democratic participation among youth in Bangladesh, organising over 500 events and projects at universities across the country.

In December 2024, USAID advisor Lubain Masum confirmed the funding in a LinkedIn post, while academic Aynul Islam from the University of Dhaka praised USAID and IFES for their role in encouraging youth involvement in civic and democratic matters.

However, reports from NDI and IRI highlighted concerns regarding the fairness of elections in Bangladesh, including government bias.