Bangladesh-US Tariff Pact Falls Short: Only 1% Reduction After Months of Talks
After nine months of continuous negotiations, the signing of the “reciprocal tariff agreement” between Bangladesh and the United States has drawn mixed reactions from trade analysts. The agreement, signed in Washington on Monday, has reduced reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi products by only 1 percent, bringing them down to 19 percent a result many believe falls far short of expectations given the length and intensity of the discussions.
U.S. Naval Fleet Heads Toward Iran as Trump Issues Warning
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that an American naval fleet, or “armada,” has been sent toward Iran. However, he expressed hope that there would be no need to use this military force.
United States Officially Withdraws from the World Health Organization
Putting an end to all speculation, the United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite warnings that the move could have negative consequences for both American and global public health, the Trump administration proceeded with the decision.
U.S. Secret Strategy Involving Jamaat Exposed in Bangladesh Politics
After the July movement, an investigative report by The Washington Post on Bangladesh’s political transition and U.S. diplomatic activities surrounding Jamaat-e-Islami has caused intense upheaval in Bangladeshi politics. Based on a leaked audio conversation of a U.S. Embassy official stationed in Dhaka, the report claims that the United States is considering a strategy to utilize Jamaat-e-Islami by keeping it “under control” in the context of forming a future government.
Washington’s Interference in Dhaka–Beijing Relations Will Not Be Tolerated
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has issued a strong response, directly labeling the United States’ remarks on bilateral cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing as “irresponsible” and “groundless.” China has made it clear that Bangladesh–China relations are an internal matter between the two countries and that interference by any third party will not be tolerated.
US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Officials and Prison
The United States has imposed sanctions on five Iranian officials and a prison over allegations of their involvement in suppressing protests in Iran.
US Declares Muslim Brotherhood Branches in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan Terrorist
The United States has officially designated Muslim Brotherhood–linked organisations operating in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist groups, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s stance toward the Islamist movement.
America Moves to Stop Issuing Visas to Bangladeshi Citizens
The Trump administration is set to suspend the processing of all types of U.S. visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh. The news was reported by the Reuters news agency on Wednesday (January 14), citing a spokesperson of the U.S. State Department.
United States Orders Its Citizens to Leave Iran
The United States Department of State has issued an urgent security alert urging all U.S. citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately. At the same time, it has stated that no assistance from Washington should be expected in this regard.
Russia Sends Submarine to Protect Oil Tanker Pursued by the United States
Russia has sent a submarine along with other naval vessels to protect the controversial tanker “Bella-1.” As a result, “Bella-1” has become a new focal point of tension between the United States and Russia. The tanker has been trying to evade pursuit by the United States for the past two weeks.