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Reflections from Dhaka: a City Under Siege

Reflections from Dhaka, a city under siege; Mandela; Profiling Uruguay's president; and Siberian folk legends

Tense times in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka as anti-government blockades and violent attacks has left the city stresse. And, the execution of a senior opposition leader accused of war crimes, ratchets up the pressure. Head of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Bengali Service Sabir Mustafa sends his observations from his hometown "under siege".

On the Mandela desk
Planning editor Nick Ericsson has been at the heart of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Africa's coverage following the death of Nelson Mandela - an obit he has been preparing for the last seven years. He reflects on his first week of a life without Mandela. Plus, the final extract from Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

The 100th Programme
Today is the Fifth Floor's 100th programme - if you missed the last 99 episodes we give a potted history in 100 seconds.

Profile: Jose Mujica
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Mundo brings us the back story on Jose Mujica - the man who some claim to be the world's poorest president. He shuns gold and silver, legalises marijuana, abortion, and gay marriage. He is also the president of Uruguay.

Online Greatest Hits
Marco Silva gives the lowdown on the big-hitting stories across the Language Service websites including the latest in invisibility technology and why a gold dress disrupted Iran's view of the World Cup draw

Siberian Folktales
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Russian's Alexander Kan uncovers the mysteries of the Olonkho, as the first ever English translation of these ancient Siberian tales are revealed.

(Photo: A pedestrian walks through the streets of Dhaka during a blockade in the city. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Dec 2013 02:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Dec 2013 12:06GMT
  • Fri 13 Dec 2013 23:06GMT
  • Sat 14 Dec 2013 02:06GMT