Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revealed surviving an assassination attempt last August, minutes before fleeing to India during intense student protests. The unrest, triggered by controversial government job quotas, resulted in over 500 deaths and forced Hasina to abandon her residence. Currently residing in India without formal asylum, she faces extradition demands by the interim Bangladeshi government, accusing her of complicity in protest-related violence. India recently extended her visa despite cancelled passports by Dhaka authorities, highlighting diplomatic challenges while maintaining bilateral ties.
TRUMP PLANS CHICAGO IMMIGRATION RAIDS
US President-elect Donald Trump is set to initiate large-scale immigration raids starting in Chicago on the second day of his presidency, as per reports. Around 200 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers will be deployed, with raids expected to continue nationwide, including in New York and Miami. Incoming border czar Tom Homan emphasized that anti-immigration operations will begin in Chicago, targeting its significant immigrant population. This aligns with Trump’s campaign pledge to undertake “the largest domestic deportation operation.” Chicago’s immigrant-friendly policies and high migrant influx make it a focal point for these enforcement measures.
CANADA WARNS OF TRUMP TARIFFS
Canada has issued a stern warning to the US against President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Speaking at a press conference, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly declared readiness for a “trade war,” labelling it the most significant economic clash between the nations in decades. The tariffs, part of Trump’s broader economic strategy, target several countries, including Mexico and China. In retaliation, Canada plans counter-tariffs on American goods like steel, ceramics, and orange juice. Economists warn this could shrink Canada’s GDP by 5%, cause job losses, and heighten inflation.
IMF PREDICTS RUSSIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its 2025 growth forecast for Russia’s economy, predicting a 1.4% GDP increase, up 0.1 percentage points from its October 2024 projection. This update reflects stronger-than-expected data, robust private consumption, and wage growth, as noted by IMF economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas. Russia’s diversified energy exports and strong corporate investment continue to support economic stability. The World Bank projects a 1.6% GDP rise, while Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development estimates growth at 2.5%. The Bank of Russia anticipates a 0.5%-1.5% expansion.
FRANCO-GERMAN INSTABILITY AS TRUMP LOOMS
As Donald Trump’s presidency approaches, France and Germany—key EU economies—face internal instability. France’s fragmented parliament lacks a governing majority, delaying fiscal reforms until mid-2025. Germany’s coalition government has collapsed, prompting February snap elections, likely followed by months of negotiation. Fiscal challenges compound the issue: France grapples with high debt and a 6% budget deficit, while Germany’s strict “debt brake” limits infrastructure spending. Analysts warn of rising trade protectionism under Trump, threatening EU growth. Experts call for Franco-German cooperation to stabilize the EU, but political divisions may hinder progress.
