International

Pakistan May Not Need IMF Aid, Minister Says

By BPN News Desk January 9, 2026

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the country may not require financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within the next six months, citing rising defence export interest as a key factor. Asif made the remarks during a television interview, expressing optimism about Pakistan’s economic outlook. Claim on Defence Orders and IMF Support

International

Trump Says Venezuela Action Not a Taiwan Precedent

By BPN News Desk January 9, 2026

US President Donald Trump has said that recent US actions in Venezuela should not be viewed as a precedent for how China may deal with Taiwan. He stated that the situation in Venezuela and the long-standing Taiwan issue are fundamentally different, and decisions regarding Taiwan rest with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Remarks on China and […]

International

India–US Trade Deal Stalled Over Missed Leader Outreach

By BPN News Desk January 9, 2026

A long-pending trade agreement between India and the United States has not been concluded, with the US side attributing the delay partly to the absence of direct outreach between top leaders. The claim was made by the US Commerce Secretary, who said the deal did not move forward because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not […]

International

Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services in India

By BPN News Desk January 9, 2026

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended most visa services at its diplomatic missions in India, citing security-related concerns. The decision affects visa processing at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its deputy high commissions in Kolkata and Agartala. Officials said the move is precautionary and will remain in force until the situation is reviewed. Security

International

Trump Calls for Sharp Increase in US Military Spending

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

US President Donald Trump has called for a major increase in American military spending, proposing that the defence budget be raised to around $1.5 trillion. If implemented, this would represent an increase of more than 50 percent compared with current defence outlays, making it the largest military budget in US history. Speaking on the need […]

International

Bangladesh Explores Possible JF-17 Fighter Jet Purchase

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

Bangladesh has shown interest in the possible procurement of JF-17 fighter jets, following high-level defence discussions with Pakistan. The issue was discussed during meetings between senior air force officials of the two countries as part of broader talks aimed at strengthening military cooperation and institutional ties. According to officials familiar with the

International

US Advances Russia Sanctions Bill After Trump Approval

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

The United States is moving forward with a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill after President Donald Trump gave his support for the legislation, a senior US senator said. The bill, which has been worked on by lawmakers from both parties for months, is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. […]

International

US to Withdraw From Over 60 International Bodies

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from more than 60 international organisations following a directive issued by President Donald Trump. The move marks one of the most extensive pullbacks from multilateral institutions in recent years and reflects a broader shift in Washington’s foreign policy approach. According to the announcement, federal

International

Venezuela Says 100 Died in US Military Operation

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

Venezuela’s Interior Minister has said that around 100 people were killed during a recent US military operation on Venezuelan territory. This is the first official casualty figure released by the Venezuelan government since the operation took place earlier this month. The minister said the deaths included members of the security forces and others present at […]

International

India, EU Move Closer to Major Trade Agreement

By BPN News Desk January 8, 2026

India and the European Union are moving closer to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement, as both sides intensify negotiations to resolve remaining differences. Senior officials from India and the EU are engaged in high-level discussions aimed at narrowing gaps on market access, tariffs, and regulatory issues. The talks mark a critical phase in negotiations […]