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

• 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).

• 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.

2. US–Israel–Iran Diplomatic Standoff

Timestamps: 05:40–08:26

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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).

• Suspect’s Background

  • History of mental health issues and previous police interventions; firearms had been seized and later returned (Srishti Gangdev, 17:44).

• 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).

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.

8. Olympic Homework Extension Goes Viral

Timestamps: 27:15–30:28

• 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.

• 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)

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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