Global News Podcast – Polls Open in First Bangladesh Election Since Uprising
Host: Alex Ritson, BBC World Service
Date: February 12, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Bangladesh's crucial general election—the first since the 2024 uprising that overthrew long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Other major stories include diplomatic developments between the US, Israel, and Iran; the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution; a mass shooting in Canada; fresh scrutiny of the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files in the US; and China's declining carbon emissions. Lighter stories feature the first sighting of a European robin in Canada and a Canadian Olympian seeking a homework extension.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bangladesh Election: Historic Vote After Uprising
Timestamps: 01:05–05:40
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Context of the Election
- Bangladesh is voting for the first time since the 2024 uprising that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
- Since the uprising, governance has been overseen by caretaker leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who plans to step down after this vote.
- More than 50 parties are contesting, but the former ruling Awami League is banned ("their party has been banned from even contesting." – Azadeh Mushiri, 04:22).
-
Parties and Climate on the Ground
- The main contenders include the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
- Both have suffered political persecution previously and were marginalized under Hasina’s rule (02:55).
- On election day, polling stations are surrounded by supporters, media, and heavy security presence.
-
Public Sentiment & Importance of Vote
- Many voters are experiencing what feels like their first meaningful vote in years:
- "It's the first time that they feel their vote will count." (Azadeh Mushiri, 04:06)
- Contrasts exist—Awami League strongholds still feel excluded and argue the polls aren’t “free and fair” (04:23).
- Many voters are experiencing what feels like their first meaningful vote in years:
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Constitutional Reforms Referendum
- Voters are also deciding on a constitutional amendment to introduce checks and balances:
- "Checks on term limits for the prime minister… strengthen the independence of the judiciary." (Azadeh Mushiri, 05:00)
- These reforms are meant to prevent a return to authoritarian abuses.
- Voters are also deciding on a constitutional amendment to introduce checks and balances:
2. US–Israel–Iran Diplomatic Standoff
Timestamps: 05:40–08:26
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Trump–Netanyahu Talks
- President Trump met Netanyahu; there was "a very long meeting and a very short statement" (Tom Bateman, 06:13).
- Trump prefers diplomatic negotiation with Iran on nuclear issues, but military options remain on the table:
- "I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue… but if not, we'll have to see what happens.” (Donald Trump, relayed by Tom Bateman, 06:40)
- Israel wants any deal to cover Iran’s missile program, not just nuclear activity, but Iran resists these wider demands.
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Regional Tensions
- The relationship between the US and Israel remains “deep,” but there are disagreements over tactics:
- "Coercive diplomacy to try and get what he wants from the Iranians." (Tom Bateman, 07:33)
- Potential for escalation remains if diplomacy fails.
- The relationship between the US and Israel remains “deep,” but there are disagreements over tactics:
3. Iran’s Revolution Anniversary: Contrition Amidst Crisis
Timestamps: 08:26–10:41
- Public Demonstrations & Government Position
- Major rallies mark the 47th anniversary.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian mixes nationalist rhetoric ("Death to America") with rare public apologies for government "shortcomings" amid economic crisis (10:10).
- "I apologise to our noble people for our shortcomings... we are making every effort to resolve these problems." (President Pezeshkian, 10:10)
- The revolution faces its greatest challenge yet—domestic instability and risk of war with the US.
4. Surprise Sighting: European Robin in Canada
Timestamps: 10:41–13:26
- Record Birdwatching Event
- A European robin was spotted for the first time in Canada, drawing crowds to Montreal.
- Ecologist Maggie McPherson explains the bird was likely blown across the Atlantic and found refuge on a ship:
- "We think that when it was migrating, it got close to the coast in the UK and got swept up in a storm..." (Maggie McPherson, 12:23)
- The robin is likely to remain in Canada for the rest of its life.
5. Mass Shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Timestamps: 15:48–21:03
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Incident and Victims
- Eight people were killed at a school and a family home; the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse von Roetseller, died from apparent self-inflicted wounds.
- Victims included educators, students, and the suspect’s family (Vanessa Mann, 16:40).
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Suspect’s Background
- History of mental health issues and previous police interventions; firearms had been seized and later returned (Srishti Gangdev, 17:44).
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Canadian Perspective on School Shootings and Guns
- Mass school shootings are rare and deeply shocking for the community and the country:
- "It just doesn't happen here. We're not used to this…" (Srishti Gangdev, 19:21)
- Canadian gun laws stricter than US, with licenses mainly for hunting rifles, especially in rural areas (20:19).
- Mass school shootings are rare and deeply shocking for the community and the country:
6. US Congress Grills Attorney General Over Epstein Files
Timestamps: 21:03–25:28
- Political Firestorm
- The House Judiciary Committee questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
- Lawmakers expressed anger over survivors’ private information being exposed while alleged co-conspirators’ names remained redacted.
- "She dismissed this all as theatrical... that said, she did say sorry and apologized for what they had endured at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein." (Helena Humphrey, 23:30)
- Emotional moments as survivors stood up and Congresswoman Becca Balin stormed out after tense exchanges.
7. China’s Carbon Emissions Show First Full-Year Drop
Timestamps: 25:28–27:15
- Environmental Insight
- New data shows China’s CO₂ emissions fell by 0.3% in 2025—a modest but significant signal.
- "Emissions dropped across major sectors... but rose in the chemical industry." (Justin Rowlatt)
- China installed record coal/gas capacity for backup, indicating reliance on fossil fuels persists, but the trend is viewed as hopeful.
- New data shows China’s CO₂ emissions fell by 0.3% in 2025—a modest but significant signal.
8. Olympic Homework Extension Goes Viral
Timestamps: 27:15–30:28
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The Story
- Canadian Olympic figure skater Madeleine Skeezas emailed her professor asking for a late assignment extension because of Olympic commitments.
- "I was competing in the Olympic Games yesterday and thought the reflection was due on Sunday, not Friday." (Madeleine Skeezas, 27:15)
- Professor granted the extension; Skeezas’ post about the incident went viral.
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Balancing Sports and Study
- She trains 25 hours a week and manages university workload, often grateful for recorded lectures:
- "I'm always mostly focused on my skating when I'm away, but there's that little like 10% that's making sure I don't miss something." (28:31)
- Skeezas reflects on the challenge: "I'm really happy I’ve done both. I truly believe if you don’t start university, you’ll never finish." (29:20)
- She trains 25 hours a week and manages university workload, often grateful for recorded lectures:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Bangladesh’s hope for democracy:
"For many people... they feel this is a day they never thought they’d see."
(Azadeh Mushiri, 04:03) -
On US–Iran negotiations:
"I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue... but if not, we'll have to see what happens."
(Donald Trump, via Tom Bateman, 06:40) -
Iran’s president shows rare contrition:
"I apologise to our noble people for our shortcomings. We in the government are making every effort..."
(President Pezeshkian, 10:10) -
Canadian mass shooting:
"This just doesn't... it doesn't happen here. We don't have the same kind of really, I would say, inflammatory environment that I think you see south of the border sometimes."
(Srishti Gangdev, 19:21) -
Madeleine Skeezas on Olympic–school balance:
"It's definitely been a challenge. This term has actually been the easiest in a while..."
(Madeleine Skeezas, 28:31)
Timestamps for Essential Segments
- Bangladesh Election Coverage: 01:05–05:40
- US–Israel–Iran Diplomacy: 05:40–08:26
- Iran Revolution Anniversary: 08:26–10:41
- European Robin in Canada: 10:41–13:26
- Canadian Mass Shooting: 15:48–21:03
- Epstein Files and Congressional Hearing: 21:03–25:28
- China’s CO₂ Emission Report: 25:28–27:15
- Olympic Homework Viral Story: 27:15–30:28
Episode Tone
The episode delivers fast-paced, on-the-spot global reporting, alternating between sobering conflict and political analysis and moments of resilience, curiosity, and hope.
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