Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency. "We have nothing to speculate," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States. When the new administration in the US will assume office, Hossain said, “There might be some remarks, which we will look into accordingly.” Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain "Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country. He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka's interests. President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities, according to an AP report. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan 20, when he takes office. Trump top adviser Stephen Miller outlined for the GOP senators the border security and immigration enforcement measures that are likely to launch soonest. In November last year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said the interim government does not foresee any major change in its relations with the United States. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser “It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told the journalists while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House. The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said. The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh and the reform process. Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US," he said in November. Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.

US President-elect Donald Trump has made expansionist comments about extending American influence into Canada, Greenland (a Danish territory), and even the Panama Canal. His statements about potentially redrawing international borders, possibly through force, have sparked alarm in Europe, especially as they contradict the position that European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to convey to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports AP. Panama Canal administrator pushes back against Trump's assertions of Chinese meddling Despite the controversial nature of Trump's words, many European leaders have responded cautiously, knowing that his actions don't always align with his rhetoric. Some have taken a more relaxed stance rather than offering a strong defence of Denmark, an EU member state. Analysts, however, suggest that even words alone can have a damaging effect on U.S.-European relations as Trump enters his second presidency. In Europe, where countries rely on U.S. cooperation for trade, energy, defence, and security, many officials have expressed confidence that Trump has no intention of using force to annex territories. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the U.S. would not attempt to annex territories in the near future, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that borders should not be altered by force, though he did not mention Trump directly. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, urging continued support from the incoming administration, emphasized the need for countries to feel secure in their sovereignty, particularly as Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens this principle. European foreign ministers from Britain and France also dismissed the notion of a U.S. invasion of Greenland, but French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that Trump's comments served as a warning about the potential return of a "law of the strongest." Judge sentences Trump in hush money case but declines to impose punishment Greenland's prime minister, Múte B. Egede, stated that the island's citizens do not want to be part of the U.S., though they are open to increased cooperation. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated the strong alliance between Denmark and the U.S., emphasizing unity. Security experts, though confident that the U.S. would not attack Denmark, have voiced concerns about the long-term impact of Trump's rhetoric on trans-Atlantic relations, NATO, and international norms. Some analysts are particularly concerned about Trump's suggestion that Canada should join the U.S. as a state, which has caused friction between the two countries. Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, an expert on foreign policy and Russia, expressed worry about the weakening of NATO and the broader trans-Atlantic alliance, questioning what it might look like by the end of Trump's second term. Some diplomats and analysts suggest that Trump's focus on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal is linked to securing valuable resources and waterways for the U.S., particularly in the face of competition with China, which dominates the global supply of rare earth minerals critical for technology. EU not to tolerate attacks within borders, France says amid Trump’s Greenland claim However, analysts caution that Trump's proposed methods are dangerous and could set a concerning precedent. Security expert Alexander Khara likened Trump's stance on Greenland to Putin's justification for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, warning that the idea of flexible borders could lead to more conflict and instability in the future.

A sharply divided Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s final bid to put his New York hush-money case on hold, clearing the way for him to be sentenced for felony crimes days before he returns to the presidency. The court’s 5-4 order allows Judge Juan M. Merchan to impose a sentence Friday on Trump, who was convicted in what prosecutors called an attempt to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied any liaison with Daniels or any wrongdoing. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court’s three liberals in rejecting his emergency motion. The majority found his sentencing wouldn't be an insurmountable burden during the presidential transition since Merchan has indicated he won't give Trump jail time, fines or probation. Trump's attorneys had asked the sentencing be delayed as he appeals the verdict, but the majority of justices found his arguments can be handled as part of the regular appeals process. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh would have delayed the sentencing, the order states. Trump said he respects the high court's order, and will pursue an appeal that could end up before the high court again. “I respect the court’s opinion — I think it was actually a very good opinion for us because you saw what they said, but they invited the appeal and the appeal is on the bigger issue. So, we’ll see how it works out,” he said at a dinner with Republican governors at his private club in Florida. The defeat comes after the conservative-majority court has handed Trump major victories over the past year, ensuring that states could not kick him off the ballot because of the 2021 attack on the Capitol and giving him immunity from prosecution over some acts he took as president in a ruling that delayed an election-interference case against him. The justices could also be faced with weighing other parts of the sweeping conservative changes he's promised after he takes office. In the push to delay the New York sentencing, Trump’s attorneys argued he is immune from criminal proceedings as president-elect and said some evidence used in the Manhattan trial violated last summer’s immunity decision. Read: Judge schedules Trump's sentencing in hush money case for January 10, indicating no jail time At the least, they have said, the sentencing should be delayed while their appeals play out to avoid distracting Trump during the White House transition. Prosecutors pushed back, saying there’s no reason for the court to take the “extraordinary step” of intervening in a state case now. Trump’s attorneys didn't show that an hourlong virtual hearing would be a serious disruption, and a pause would likely mean pushing the case past the Jan. 20 inauguration, creating a delay that could last at least through his presidency. “We brought a case. A jury of ordinary New Yorkers returned 34 guilty verdicts,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at an unrelated news conference Thursday afternoon. “Our function right now primarily is to continue to give voice to that verdict and respect, as a principle -- bedrock principle of the administration of justice -- that the jury’s voice must not be rubbed out.” Trump’s attorneys went to the justices after New York courts refused to postpone sentencing, including the state’s highest court on Thursday. Judges in New York have found that the convictions on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to personal matters rather than Trump’s official acts as president. Daniels says she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. He denies it. Trump’s attorneys called the case politically motivated, and they said sentencing him now would be a “grave injustice” that threatens to disrupt the presidential transition as the Republican prepares to return to the White House. Read more: Appeals court upholds Donald Trump's gag order as he again presses judge to exit hush money case Trump is represented by D. John Sauer, his pick to be the solicitor general, who represents the government before the high court. Sauer also argued for Trump in the separate criminal case charging him with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which resulted in the Supreme Court’s immunity opinion. Defense attorneys cited that opinion in arguing some of the evidence used against him in the hush money trial should have been shielded by presidential immunity. That includes testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made while he was in office. The decision comes a day after Justice Alito confirmed that he took a phone call from Trump the day before the president-elect’s lawyers filed their emergency motion before the high court. The justice said the call was about a clerk, not any upcoming or current cases, but the unusual communication prompted calls for Alito to recuse himself, including from the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. Justices make their own decisions about whether to recuse and Alito still weighed in on the case.

Donald Trump Jr. is set to visit Greenland, just weeks after his father reiterated his belief that the United States should take control of the self-governing Danish territory. According to U.S. media reports, the president-elect's eldest son plans a private, one-day trip to record video content for a podcast. The visit follows Donald Trump’s controversial statement in December, where he asserted that "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security. Trump has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland, dating back to his first term as president. However, the idea was firmly rejected by Greenland's leadership. Trump reignites proposal for US-Canada 'merger' "We are not for sale, and we will not be for sale," Prime Minister Mute Egede declared in December. "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland." President-elect Trump confirmed his son's planned trip on Monday via his Truth Social platform. He stated that Donald Jr. and other "representatives" would explore Greenland’s "magnificent areas and sights," adding that Greenland and its people would "benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation." "We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world," Trump said, concluding with his slogan, "Make Greenland great again!" His post included a video of a man wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat, urging Trump to purchase Greenland and "free it" from Danish colonial rule. The individual’s identity remains unknown. Greenland holds strategic significance due to its location along the shortest route between North America and Europe, as well as its role as home to a major U.S. space facility. Despite this, the Danish Foreign Ministry clarified that Donald Trump Jr.'s visit would not be an official U.S. delegation trip. "As it is not an official American visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has no further comment," the ministry told BBC News. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure Meanwhile, Denmark announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland shortly after Trump’s remarks. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the timing an "irony of fate." Additionally, Denmark’s King Frederik X updated the royal coat of arms to highlight Greenland and the Faroe Islands more prominently, a move seen by some as a response to Trump’s statements. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede used his New Year’s speech to advocate for the island's independence, declaring the need to "break free from the shackles of colonialism." In contrast, King Frederik emphasized the unity of the Danish Kingdom, stating, "We belong together." This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in acquiring Greenland. The idea dates back to President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s. In another recent development, Trump has suggested reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of overcharging for its use. The Panamanian president responded firmly, stating that "every square meter" of the canal belongs to Panama.

President-elect Donald Trump effectively derailed bipartisan budget negotiations on Wednesday, rejecting the proposed legislation and accusing it of favoring Democrats. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally, played a key role in stirring opposition through social media, rallying Republican lawmakers and constituents against the bill. In a joint statement with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Trump dismissed the measure and called for renewed negotiations. Musk, who is set to co-lead a task force on government efficiency with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, launched a social media campaign against the bill, labeling it an example of overspending. On his platform X, Musk threatened to support primary challenges against any lawmaker backing the legislation. Trump echoed the sentiment, amplifying Musk’s rallying cry, “Stop the steal of your tax dollars!” Trump named Time Person of the Year 2024 The budget deal’s collapse highlights Musk’s growing political clout. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky reported an influx of calls from constituents influenced by Musk’s posts, stating, “The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk.” Trump and Vance urged Republicans to tie the debt ceiling extension to the budget deal, arguing it was better addressed while President Joe Biden is still in office. “Let’s settle this debate now rather than during our administration,” they said. The setback created uncertainty for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who negotiated the bill and faces a re-election challenge as Speaker. The slim Republican majority in the House increases the risk of renewed leadership disputes. Lawmakers were blindsided by Trump’s opposition, with many attending year-end celebrations when the announcement was made. Senior Republican appropriator Rep. Steve Womack commented, “Nothing surprises me anymore.” The Biden administration criticized Republicans for jeopardizing the bipartisan deal, warning of the potential harm to Americans. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged Republicans to prioritize stability over politics. Biden grants clemency to over 1,500 individuals in historic single-day action While Musk’s involvement thrilled some, like Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina, others expressed concern about his lack of political experience. Grover Norquist, a veteran of budget battles, praised Musk’s influence but questioned his expertise in legislative matters, saying, “He doesn’t know politics like he knows physics.” Despite Musk amplifying some false claims about the bill, such as an alleged $3 billion allocation for a football stadium, he declared victory after the budget deal’s rejection, calling it “a good day for America.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned Republicans of the consequences of abandoning the agreement, stating, “You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences.”

Donald Trump has been named Time magazine's 2024 Person of the Year and is scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. EST. This comes just months after he became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime in a Manhattan courtroom, located only blocks away from the NYSE, reports AP. FBI Chief Wray plans to resign before Trump takes office in January These developments highlight Trump's complex relationship with New York and mark his transformation from a controversial former president, who denied his election defeat four years ago, to a president-elect who secured a decisive victory in November. Time’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, announced the selection on NBC's Today show, describing Trump as the individual who “for better or worse, had the most influence on the news in 2024.” Trump is expected to appear on Wall Street for the ceremonial opening of the trading day, as confirmed by multiple anonymous sources familiar with his plans. This marks his first time participating in the NYSE tradition, which frequently features prominent figures from various industries. Trump previously received the Time Person of the Year title in 2016, following his initial presidential victory. Other finalists for this year’s recognition included Vice President Kamala Harris, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kate, the Princess of Wales. This bell-ringing event will be the latest in a series of appearances Trump has made in New York this year. In addition to his court-mandated presence for legal proceedings, he has strategically held campaign events across the city, including a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew criticism for incendiary comments made by speakers. Trump also visited locations like a firehouse, a bodega, and a construction site, showcasing his appeal in diverse urban areas. Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America Trump's fascination with being featured on the cover of Time dates back to 1989. He has falsely claimed to hold the record for cover appearances, and in 2017 it was revealed that fake Time covers featuring him were displayed at several of his golf clubs. Since his re-election, Trump has emphasized his role in recent stock market gains, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq composite all reaching record highs following his November victory. Trump argues that his new presidential term should officially start from the day after the election to credit him for the economic surge. As Trump prepares to assume office, his administration is shaping up to include many business leaders, aligning with his campaign promises of historic economic growth. While corporate America has praised his plans to cut taxes and deregulate, concerns persist about his proposed tariffs and the potential targeting of companies based on political alignment. Historically, stock markets have risen regardless of the party in power, but Trump’s policies could lead to significant shifts in industry performance. Biden approves National Security Memo to assist Trump on key global issues In parallel, Trump’s legal team is actively working to overturn his Manhattan conviction in light of his election win.

President Joe Biden has authorized a classified national security memorandum designed to guide the incoming Trump administration in addressing mounting challenges posed by deepening cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, the White House announced Wednesday. Crafted over the summer, the memorandum aims to equip the Trump administration with a foundational strategy to address threats from the United States' key adversaries. Two senior administration officials, speaking anonymously due to the document's sensitivity, confirmed its contents would remain classified. The guidance outlines four key recommendations: enhancing interagency coordination within the U.S. government, accelerating intelligence sharing with allies regarding the four adversaries, optimizing the use of sanctions and economic tools, and preparing for potential simultaneous crises involving these nations. U.S. officials have long been wary of collaboration among the four countries, a concern amplified since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has spurred stronger ties between Moscow and its allies. Read: Biden still believes missing journalist Austin Tice alive Russia, increasingly isolated internationally, has turned to Iran for drones and missiles while receiving artillery and personnel support from North Korea. In return, Moscow has supplied fighter jets to Iran and assisted Tehran in strengthening its missile defense and space technology. North Korea has gained critical fuel and financial support from Russia, bolstering its manufacturing and military capabilities. Additionally, Russia has reportedly accepted North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state, according to officials. China, meanwhile, has deepened its partnership with Russia, benefiting from dual-use components that sustain Moscow's military-industrial complex. The two nations have also intensified military technical cooperation, including joint patrols in the Arctic. “Coordination among these four nations poses an increasingly complex challenge for U.S. national security,” one official remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the recommendations. Despite contrasting worldviews, the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team have sought collaboration during the transition. The memorandum reflects a bipartisan recognition of the need for a robust approach to counter adversaries’ growing alliances. Read more: Biden visits Africa's Angola amid growing China influence This cooperative transition effort underscores the significance of preparing for evolving geopolitical dynamics, which will demand careful navigation by the incoming administration. Source: With inputs from agencies

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, is actively pursuing his policy objectives and engaging in international diplomacy even before his inauguration. With over a month left until he officially takes office, Trump has issued strong warnings, such as threatening a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, prompting high-level discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His bold stance extends to global crises, warning Hamas of severe consequences if hostages in Gaza are not released before his inauguration. This weekend, Trump attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he was treated as a key dignitary alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, overshadowing outgoing President Joe Biden, who was represented by First Lady Jill Biden. Read: Donald Trump wins US presidency for the second time Trump’s approach is seen as highly unconventional, blurring the lines of transition by engaging directly with foreign leaders and influencing policy. Meetings with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and Ukraine, as well as discussions about the Middle East, highlight his active involvement. While Trump’s team asserts these efforts are aligned with legal protocols, critics argue that such dual messaging can complicate U.S. foreign relations during the transitional period. Trump’s proactive measures, including credit for recent policy moves, demonstrate his readiness to reassert his leadership style, though the long-term success of these initiatives remains uncertain. Source: With inputs from agencies

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with all opposition leaders on Wednesday to discuss US-Canada relations following threats by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products. A source familiar with the situation said the meeting would take place early Wednesday afternoon. The individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the talks are aimed at addressing the escalating tensions over trade. Trudeau successfully navigated a "Team Canada" approach during Trump's first term, working to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, Trudeau’s political position has weakened since then, and with an election looming in under a year, the current situation is more precarious. The latest threat came after Trump’s meeting with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday. Despite calls for a more cooperative stance, Trump did not back down from his pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless they take stronger action to address migration and drug flows. Trump says BRICS countries must commit they’ll not replace US dollar or they’ll face 100% tariffs Trump’s remarks have sparked concern in Canada, which argues that it is being unfairly lumped in with Mexico. With 77% of Canada’s exports destined for the US, the potential tariffs would have a devastating impact on the Canadian economy. The country is one of the most trade-dependent in the world, and much of its daily trade, including crucial energy supplies, flows across the border. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington, expressed optimism over Trudeau’s efforts to explain that the situation at the Canadian-US border is vastly different from that at the US-Mexico border. While the US has faced significant migrant and drug issues on its southern border, Canada has seen far fewer encounters, particularly with drugs like fentanyl.   Source: With inputs from wires

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will nominate Kash Patel as the next FBI director, tapping a fierce ally to help overhaul the agency and remove what he views as “conspirators” within the government. This decision reflects Trump’s ongoing belief that the nation’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies require radical change, in line with his past calls for retribution against perceived adversaries. Patel, a former Justice Department prosecutor and staffer for the House Intelligence Committee, is best known for his work on the “Nunes Memo,” which criticized the FBI’s handling of surveillance during the Russia investigation. Trump praised Patel for his role in uncovering what he referred to as the “Russia Hoax” and for standing up for accountability. Patel’s nomination is expected to spark significant controversy in the Senate, particularly with Republican allies holding a slim majority. Although Trump’s picks are likely to face unified Democratic opposition, the nomination may proceed with the help of the vice president’s tie-breaking vote or through a congressional loophole allowing presidential appointments when the Senate is not in session. This pick signals that Trump is seeking to place loyalists in key positions, especially after his contentious relationship with current FBI Director Christopher Wray. Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, had previously been the subject of the president’s public ire, particularly after federal investigations and the search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Read: US universities urge Indian students to return before Trump takes office Patel’s vision for the FBI includes reducing its scope and possibly converting the agency’s headquarters into a “museum of the deep state.” He has also made aggressive statements about prosecuting journalists and government officials involved in leaks. In addition to Patel, Trump announced Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County, Florida, as his nominee for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Trump’s choice of Patel, a controversial figure due to his rhetoric and lack of experience in law enforcement, is poised to stir intense debate over the future direction of the FBI and its relationship with the broader intelligence community. Source: With inputs from agencies