News from: BBC, DW & France24
- Leaders gather for New Delhi AI summit as warnings grow over societal risksby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-16 at 02:09
A global artificial intelligence summit opens in New Delhi on Monday, tackling issues from job disruption to child safety, though some participants warn its sweeping agenda may hinder firm commitments. Surging demand for generative AI has lifted tech profits and shares, even as concerns mount over social and environmental risks.
- Accused Bondi beach killer appears in Sydney court for first hearingby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-16 at 01:44
Accused Bondi Beach killer Naveed Akram appeared in a Sydney court via video link on Monday for his first hearing, after authorities said he and his father carried out a December attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Akram faces terrorism and 15 murder charges. His father was shot by police.
- ‘Dragged out and set on fire’ – the Bangladesh mob killing that shocked the worldon 2026-02-16 at 00:09
In December, Hindu factory worker Dipu Das was lynched in Bangladesh, igniting global outrage.
- MSC: With Iran in crisis, is Europe just a spectator?on 2026-02-15 at 15:01
At this year’s Munich Security Conference, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged European leaders to help Iranians topple the Iranian regime. But does Europe have any leverage to deliver on this?
- After the landslide: Can India reset ties with a BNP-led Bangladesh?on 2026-02-15 at 01:23
A reset of the frayed relationship is possible, say analysts. But it will require restraint – and reciprocity.
- Is this a ‘very Chinese time in your life’? The trend boosting China’s soft poweron 2026-02-14 at 23:11
Chinamaxxing is adding more gloss to the recent flourish of Chinese soft power.
- Bangladesh voters hope election ends government corruptionon 2026-02-14 at 10:41
After the February 12 election, voters in Bangladesh hope for a corruption-free, anti-discriminatory society. However, the defeated alliance alleged extensive problems with vote counting.
- Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman poised to become PM as Islamists concede defeatby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-14 at 06:41
Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party conceded defeat in elections on Saturday, despite earlier alleging problems with the vote count, clearing the way for Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman to become prime minister after 17 years in self-imposed exile.
- Why writer Arundhati Roy’s cult classic film is still relevant in Indiaon 2026-02-14 at 01:45
Nearly 40 years on, the Booker prize-winning writer’s debut campus satire is set to be screened in Berlin.
- Can Bangladesh’s new leader bring change after election landslide?on 2026-02-14 at 00:03
Tarique Rahman is set to be Bangladesh’s next prime minister, 18 months after mass protests ousted its longest-serving leader.
- The two Chinese-American Olympians competing for rival superpowerson 2026-02-13 at 23:05
Eileen Guo and Alysa Liu have been thrust into a debate that goes far beyond sports.
- British couple held by Taliban describe ‘culture shock’ returning to UKon 2026-02-13 at 22:24
Peter and Barbie Reynolds were released by the Taliban in September after being detained for seven-and-a-half months.
- China vows to take ‘measures’ against spying after CIA recruitment videoby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-13 at 16:40
The CIA released a Chinese-language recruitment video targeting disaffected Chinese military officers, showing a fictional officer deciding to contact the agency to expose leadership lies. The clip encourages leaks on China’s leaders and military. Beijing reacted angrily, warning it will take all necessary measures to counter foreign espionage.
- ‘100% recommend!’ Malaysian Olympic skier Aruwin Salehhuddin shares her love of winter sportsby Yuka ROYER on 2026-02-13 at 15:41
As plenty of drama plays out on the slopes of the Milano-Cortina Olympics, Malaysian alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin is giving it her all as the only athlete representing her country. From the Olympic Village, she shares her excitement and pride with Yuka Royer, and speaks about her dream of spreading winter sports in Southeast Asia.
- Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman poised to become PM as Islamists concede defeatby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-13 at 12:06
Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party conceded defeat in elections on Saturday, despite earlier alleging problems with the vote count, clearing the way for Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman to become prime minister after 17 years in self-imposed exile.
- Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins landmark general electionby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-13 at 10:43
Bangladesh Nationalist Party has won Bangladesh’s general election, with leader Tarique Rahman expected to form the next government after months of unrest and economic disruption in Bangladesh. The vote follows the 2024 uprising that removed former leader Sheikh Hasina, whose party was barred from running, while rival Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Shafiqur Rahman, conceded defeat and pledged constructive opposition.
- Who is Tarique Rahman, set to become Bangladesh’s next PM?on 2026-02-13 at 05:43
Rahman, the son of two former leaders of Bangladesh, only recently returned to the country after years in exile abroad.
- Watchdog to investigate Sydney police after anti-Herzog protest violenceon 2026-02-13 at 05:09
Videos emerged of police appearing to punch protesters at rally against Israeli president on Monday.
- Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat and arrests captainby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-13 at 03:27
Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat Thursday and arrested its captain, authorities said Friday, alleging that the boat was sailing inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Beijing has called on Tokyo to respect the rights of the vessel’s Chinese crew members.
- Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?on 2026-02-13 at 03:11
The Liberal Party elected its first female leader at a time of crisis. She lasted less than a year.
- Japan says it seized Chinese vessel amid tensions with Beijingon 2026-02-13 at 02:44
The fishing boat tried to flee when ordered to stop for an inspection inside Japan’s territorial waters, authorities say.
- North Korea warns of ‘terrible response’ over South Korean drone flightsby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-13 at 02:33
North Korea on Friday warned of a “terrible response” if more drones cross its border from the South, escalating tensions despite Seoul’s efforts to improve ties. Pyongyang said it shot down a surveillance drone last month. Kim Yo Jong cautioned that further incursions would trigger severe consequences.
- Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins thumping victory in landmark post-Hasina electionby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-13 at 01:16
Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide victory in the first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, the Election Commission said Friday, winning a majority of more than two-thirds in the country’s parliament. Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed a “sweeping victory”.
- Australia’s Liberal Party ousts first woman leaderon 2026-02-13 at 00:42
Sussan Ley, plagued by poor polls, was deposed by Angus Taylor after just nine months in the job.
- Counting starts in Bangladesh’s first free election in 17 yearsby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 16:56
The polls are closing and counting begins in Bangladesh’s first free election in 17 years. The historic vote has sparked hope for an end to corruption, improved security, and better economic conditions, as citizens look for real change in their daily lives.
- Bangladesh election raises expectations of a new political eraby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 16:25
As Bangladeshis cast their ballots on Thursday in their first free election in 17 years, many are hoping for an end to corruption, greater safety and security, improved economic conditions, and real structural changes in their daily lives, as explained by FRANCE 24’s journalist Navodita Kumari.
- India: Ethnic tensions keep peace out of reach in Manipuron 2026-02-12 at 14:50
Manipur remains trapped in an unresolved, worsening ethnic conflict, despite government efforts to resolve the tensions and find lasting peace.
- Bangladesh elections: Islamist-led coalition hopes for chance at powerby Navodita KUMARI on 2026-02-12 at 13:34
Bangladesh has held its first elections since a student revolution deposed autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Hasina’s main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is now projected to win. Yet the biggest development is the resurgence of the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned under Hasina. Minorities targeted in recent mob violence and some women now fear for their rights. FRANCE 24’s Navodita Kumari, Alban Alvarez and Muktadir Rashid report.
- Pivotal election in Bangladesh as ‘the country goes to the polls after 17 years of authoritarianism’by FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 12:28
“People in Bangladesh are exciting that democracy is returning and that there’s a free and fair election,” explains Dr. Sohela Nazneed, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, speaking to Oliver Farry on FRANCE 24. The country goes to the polls after 17 years of authoritarianism, with voters concerned about who will win, what policies will be implemented, and key issues such as breaking the concentration of power, tackling corruption, economic development and social rights.
- Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoulon 2026-02-12 at 11:10
South Korea’s spy agency says Ki Ju Ae’s prominent public presence indicates she is the chosen heir.
- Landmark Bangladeshi election takes place under heavy securityby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 10:55
Except for a single reported incident, voting in Bangladesh appears to be proceeding peacefully, FRANCE 24’s correspondent reports.This election is seen as a crucial test for Bangladesh’s democracy after years of political unrest. Voting is taking place under tight security and will determine the country’s leadership following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
- Historic parliamentary vote underway in Bangladeshby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 10:51
Bangladesh is holding its first parliamentary elections since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, with voters electing 300 lawmakers directly and 50 women from party lists. The main contenders are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist-led Jamaat coalition, as Hasina’s Awami Party has been barred from participating.
- Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasinaby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-12 at 09:54
Voters across Bangladesh are casting ballots in a parliamentary election seen as a key test for the country’s democracy after years of political unrest. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in the first election since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed in 2024 following mass protests often described as a Gen Z-led uprising. Results are expected on Friday, as FRANCE 24’s Navodita Kumari explains.
- Counting begins in first Bangladesh polls since deadly 2024 uprising against Hasinaby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-12 at 03:47
Votes were being counted on Thursday in Bangladesh’s first election since Sheikh Hasina’s government was toppled in deadly 2024 mass protests. Leading prime ministerial hopeful Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said he was “confident” he could beat the Islamist-led coalition.
- Three issues that matter to voters in the Bangladesh electionon 2026-02-12 at 01:04
It’s the first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that toppled Bangladesh’s long-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Bangladesh vote ‘a canary in a coalmine for developments in the Global South’, expert saysby Sharon GAFFNEY on 2026-02-11 at 22:21
Millions of young Bangladeshis will vote for the first time on Thursday in a landmark election to determine the country’s leadership following a 2024 student-led uprising that ended former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule. FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney speaks with Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House.
- Ilyas Yourish on his film ‘Kamay’, depicting a Hazara family’s quest for justiceby Stuart NORVAL on 2026-02-11 at 14:44
The director of a film that celebrates the resistance of the Hazara people in Afghanistan has spoken about his work ahead of its screening at a festival in Paris on Thursday. “Kamay” follows a Hazara family as they embark on a journey for truth and justice after their daughter Zahra mysteriously dies at Kabul University. Director Ilyas Yourish says their plight is a symbol of the Hazara people’s resistance against whoever is in control in Kabul. The film is being shown this Thursday at Sciences Po University. Yourish spoke to us in Perspective.
- Iran will not give in to ‘excessive’ US demands in resumed talks, president saysby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-11 at 14:32
Iran will not give in to “excessive” demands in its talks with the United States on its nuclear programme, the country’s president said Wednesday. Talks between the two countries resumed last week, and while Tehran wants the negotiations to stay focused on the nuclear programme, Washington wants to include Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
- Emergency call released of boy who swam for hours to save familyon 2026-02-11 at 11:54
Austin Appelbee, 13, swam to get help for his mother and siblings after they were swept out to sea.
- Trump hails ‘very good’ meeting with Netanyahu on Iran, says ‘nothing definitive’ reachedby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-11 at 06:19
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he had had “a very good” meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, but that “nothing definitive had been reached” aside from the fact that he had insisted Washington’s resumed talks with Iran must continue. Read our blog to see how the day’s events unfolded.
- ‘We are treated as outcasts’: Acid attack survivor fights for justice and dignityon 2026-02-11 at 00:56
Malik recently petitioned India’s top court to include survivors forced to ingest acid under disability law.
- Corruption watchdog reports increase in global grafton 2026-02-10 at 06:03
Once seen as anti-graft strongholds, the US, UK, Canada and Sweden are slipping into decline due to a lack of political leadership, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index has revealed.
- Iran escalates crackdown on protesters amid potential US nuclear talksby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-10 at 03:55
Iran intensified its suppression of domestic dissent on Monday, arresting reformist figures and activists weeks after a wave of nationwide protests. At the same time, Tehran left the door open to further nuclear negotiations with the United States, highlighting a dual approach of domestic control and cautious diplomacy.
- US forces board sanctioned tanker after globe-spanning pursuitby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-10 at 01:57
US military forces have boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday, marking a major escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign to enforce an oil quarantine on Venezuela and seize vessels accused of evading sanctions.
- Japan has given Takaichi a landslide win – but can she bring back the economy?on 2026-02-09 at 23:02
Japan has been battling sluggish growth, mounting public debt and a rapidly ageing workforce.
- Hong Kong mogul Jimmy Lai’s jailing sparks outcryby FRANCE24 on 2026-02-09 at 22:00
FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen speaks with Thibault Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Sans Frontières, about the sentencing of Hong Kong democracy advocate and media magnate Jimmy Lai. The 78-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiring with others to publish seditious articles.
- Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s ‘Iron Maiden’ PM rises – againby FRANCE 24 on 2026-02-09 at 20:20
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s passion for heavy metal earned her the moniker “Iron Maiden”. She’s also called the “Iron Lady”, and is perceived as a China hawk. With her party’s thumping victory in Sunday’s snap election, Takaichi has the parliamentary weight to steer her country, and Japan’s neighbours will be monitoring the direction.
- Japan’s Iron Lady: What will Takaichi do with her landslide win?by François PICARD on 2026-02-09 at 19:12
Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party has turned the wobbly coalition she inherited back in October as Japan’s first woman prime minister into a landslide win in snap elections, giving the 64-year-old admirer of late British maverick prime minister Margaret Thatcher enough leeway to reform the constitution and break with eight decades of pacifism.
- Sebastien Lai: Father’s release must precede normalisation with UK, all nations ‘who love freedom’by FRANCE24 on 2026-02-09 at 18:56
Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Sebastien Lai, son of Hong Kong’s media tycoon and pro‑democracy activist Jimmy Lai. He describes his 78-year-old father, sentenced to 20 years in prison for challenging China’s hardline system, as a man of conviction who stands fearlessly for truth, democracy, and human dignity. Lai’s spirit remains intact despite his deteriorating health, says Sebastien. He challenges the UK and other democracies across the globe to stand by press freedom, civil rights, and justice, over diplomacy.
- EU seeks self-reliance as US, China dominate defense sectoron 2026-02-09 at 10:32
The United States exports more weapons than any other country. Data shows which regions buy the most US-made weapons — and experts discuss strategies for escaping dependence.
- How Philippines’ schools embraced German languageon 2026-02-06 at 14:28
Guten Morgen, the Philippines! German has found a home in the Philippines’ public schools despite being a tough language to learn — even for some of the teachers.












































