Asian stocks fall, yen hits 2-month high following Trump tariff worries

We are concerned about the sluggish business environment that has persisted in the country for the past several months now. According to a report, in the October-December period of 2024, most listed companies experienced a decline in profits compared to the same period in the previous year.

The Ganges River holds immense importance for both Bangladesh and India, providing water for agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems across their shared basin. In 1996, the two nations signed the historic Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, aimed at ensuring an equitable distribution of the river’s waters during the critical dry season (January to May). With the treaty set to expire in 2026, the upcoming negotiations for its renewal present an opportunity for Bangladesh to assert its right to a fair share of the Ganges waters, addressing both historical grievances and emerging challenges.

In February 2025, Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar is set to visit Bangladesh—the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012. Since the July Uprising of 2024, there has been much speculation in the media and public discourse about a potential renewal of ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, Dhaka must approach its political, military-strategic, economic, and cultural relations with Islamabad with realism, pragmatism, and careful calculation.

Myanmar finds itself deep in a state of violence, violations of human rights, and political repression as it marks the fourth anniversary of the February 1, 2021, military coup. The coup, led by Myanmar’s military junta, overthrew the democratically elected civilian government, detaining all members, including President U Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United States has implemented a series of executive order tariffs, effective from February 4, on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China, as part of its broader trade policy agenda. Additional 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, whereas 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods are also imposed by US president Donald Trump. The orders are considered as bold steps to hold China, Canada and Mexico accountable for their pledges to curb illegal immigration and the flow of poisonous fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. These tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic industries and addressing trade imbalances, have had far-reaching consequences for global trade dynamics.