United News of Bangladesh

The cultural connections, shared heritage and resilience of communities living across the Sundarbans of Bangladesh and Kolkata were highlighted at the closing event of an EUNIC-supported project held at the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh on Monday night. The EUNIC Cluster Bangladesh and EU Delegation to Bangladesh, in collaboration with HERITEiNCE DoA-BUET, Riverine People and Team Platform, organised the event to mark the conclusion of the project titled 'Sundarbans Across Borders: The Spirit of Cultural Resilience'. The event brought together project partners, artists, researchers, cultural practitioners and guests to reflect on the project’s activities and explore the cultural and ecological connections shared by communities across the Sundarbans. The programme began with a welcome note by Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Director Frank Werner, followed by an introduction to the project by Hasib Zuberi Shihan of Team Platform. Two documentary films produced by EUNIC Clusters Bangladesh and Kolkata were screened during the event, offering perspectives on the people, landscapes, cultural practices and ecological realities of the world’s largest mangrove forest. A Q&A session followed the screenings, with Mohammad Tahajibul Hossain of HERITEiNCE and Hasib Zuberi Shihan responding to questions from the audience. The discussion focused on life and livelihoods in the Sundarbans, its rich biodiversity and the complex relationship between local communities and the fragile ecosystem, highlighting both the challenges faced by residents and their resilience. As part of the closing programme, "The Hive and the Hymn", an interdisciplinary exhibition exploring the tangible and intangible cultural practices of the Moual, the honey-collecting communities living along the fringes of the Sundarbans, was also presented. The exhibition features four bodies of Patachitra scroll work, including a traditional Gazir Pat, a contemporary depiction of the honey-collection cycle, a vertical retelling of the Bonobibi myth and a co-created scroll painted by community women and children. Alongside the artworks, architectural and cultural research by BUET’s Heritage and Technology Integration Cell and Riverine People documents livelihood practices, settlement patterns, ecological adaptations and spiritual traditions of the region. Through art and research, the exhibition explores the interconnectedness of cultural heritage, livelihood, ecology and resilience, while highlighting the role of women and younger generations in preserving cultural memory and ecological knowledge. The 'Sundarbans Across Borders' project sought to deepen understanding of the intersections between culture, living heritage and climate resilience on both sides of the Bangladesh-India border. Through workshops, field studies, collaborative art production, documentary filmmaking and performances, the project brought together communities and cultural practitioners to explore the shared heritage and contemporary challenges of the Sundarbans. The initiative was co-financed under the EUNIC Cluster Fund 2024, which supports sustainable, collaborative and culturally grounded projects across the region. The closing event marked the culmination of the project while reaffirming the importance of continued cross-border dialogue and collaboration around the Sundarbans, a shared ecosystem shaped by intertwined histories, belief systems, cultural practices, artistic traditions and biodiversity. 'The Hive and the Hymn' exhibition will remain open to visitors daily from 3 pm to 9 pm through Sept 12 at the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Auditorium, House 10, Road 9, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1205. Visitors can experience the exhibition and explore the stories, traditions, artistic expressions and ecological knowledge connecting communities of the Sundarbans across borders.  

Popular Bangladeshi actor Azmeri Haque Badhan was harassed and physically assaulted by a group of people in Venice, Italy, while visiting a local park with her brother and his family. Badhan shared a video of the incident on Facebook late Tuesday night, showing a group of people attacking the actress and throwing eggs, water and Coca-Cola during the confrontation. In the video, the attackers are heard calling Badhan a "July militant" and a "traitor" and asking her to chant "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" while recording the incident. Badhan said her mobile phone was thrown away during the incident and she was struck near her ear. She also said her brother's wife was pushed during the confrontation. "My brother's little child was with us. They hit me, threw my phone away and struck me near my ear," Badhan said in the video. She said the attackers identified themselves as supporters of the Awami League and Chhatra League in Venice and targeted her for supporting the July-August 2024 student-led mass uprising. "I participated in the July movement. Yes, I am a July fighter," she said. Badhan also criticised those involved in the incident, saying such behaviour was unacceptable, particularly while she was representing Bangladesh at an international film festival. "I have brought a film to the Venice festival whose director Rubaiyat Hossain's father was a former Awami League minister. I am still working with her even after the July movement. You should have moved away from such irrational behaviour," she addressed the attackers. Badhan said she has already filed a written complaint with the local police in Venice seeking legal action over the incident. She is currently in Venice with her brother and his family to attend the international film festival, where Rubaiyat Hossain's 'The Difficult Bride' is being screened in the competitive Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The film had its world premiere at Sala Darsena at 2:15 pm local time on Sept 6, marking a historic appearance for Bangladesh at the festival. Badhan, Zainin Karim, Rikita Nandini Shimu and Sunerah Binte Kamal play the four principal female characters in the film, directed by Rubaiyat Hossain. Known internationally for her performance in 'Rehana Maryam Noor', Badhan is currently representing Bangladesh at the international film festival. The incident in Venice has drawn widespread criticism on social media.  

Apple TV’s horror-comedy series “Widow’s Bay” emerged as the biggest winner at the early Emmy ceremony on Sunday, collecting eight awards for its first season, while HBO Max’s “The Pitt” secured four. The ceremony, held eight days ahead of the main Emmy awards show, also saw “DTF St. Louis” take six trophies in limited-series categories, with David Harbour and Linda Cardellini earning their first Emmy Awards. “Widow’s Bay,” starring Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a small New England town facing an ancient curse, won awards in several technical categories, including cinematography, sound, music and production design. Betty Gilpin also won best guest actress in a comedy for her performance in the series. “The Pitt,” which led this year's nominations with 25 after winning best drama for its debut season, added four awards to its tally. Among its winners was Ernest Harden Jr., 73, who won best guest actor in a drama for his portrayal of Louie Cloverfield, a troubled alcoholic who is a familiar figure in the show's emergency room. Harden, a veteran actor whose career includes a role in the 1975 film “Three Days of the Condor” and appearances on “The Jeffersons,” became a first-time Emmy winner. Andrew Bird and Gavin Brivik won for original music and lyrics for a song written for “The Pitt.” The Television Academy has rebranded the traditionally known Creative Arts Emmys as the opening two nights of the 78th Emmy Awards. The weekend ceremonies mainly recognize behind-the-scenes contributors, although guest acting categories and several other awards featuring prominent performers are also presented. Harbour won best supporting actor in a limited series for “DTF St. Louis,” while Cardellini won best supporting actress in the category. Both were first-time Emmy winners. The ceremony also featured a tribute to late actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner, who posthumously won best guest actor in a comedy for his role in “The Bear.” He received a lengthy standing ovation from the audience, including his “Bear” co-star Jamie Lee Curtis. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were killed in December. Their son has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with their deaths. Other winners included “Pluribus,” another Apple TV series from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan, which collected four awards, and Shailene Woodley, who won her first Emmy as best guest actress in a drama for “Paradise.” “Spider-Noir,” the Nicolas Cage series canceled by Amazon Prime Video after one season, won five awards, including for visual effects and stunts. Emmy host Mariska Hargitay also received two awards for her documentary “My Mom Jayne,” about her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. Bad Bunny won his first career Emmy for his Super Bowl halftime show, which earned seven awards at Saturday's ceremony. The weekend's ceremonies will be edited together for broadcast on FXX on Sept. 12 and streaming on Hulu the following day. The main Emmy ceremony will be held Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theater, hosted by Hargitay, and will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock. “Widow’s Bay” and “The Pitt” could each win up to six additional awards during the main ceremony.

The second part of the ‘Dhaka Theatre Festival 2026’, organised by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) as part of celebrations marking Dhaka’s 416th anniversary, began Sunday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) with a nine-day programme featuring nine theatre productions. Organised by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), the ‘Dhaka Theatre Festival’ will feature nine plays over nine days, with one production being staged each evening. The festival opened Sunday afternoon with a cultural ceremony, followed by the play in the evening at the National Theatre Hall with ‘Kinu Kahare’r Theatre’, a production by Prachyanat. Written by noted playwright Manoj Mitra, the play was directed by Kazi Toufiq-ul Islam Emon. On the second day, Monday, Lok Natyadal (Banani) will stage the comedy ‘Kanjus’ at the same venue. Dhaka Padatik will present ‘Trial of Surya Sen’ on Tuesday, the third day of the festival. The fourth day, Wednesday, will feature ‘Aleya’, written by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and produced by Bashori Repertory. On Thursday, Aranyak Natyadal will stage ‘Company’ as the festival’s fifth-day production. On Friday, the sixth day, Theatre Art Unit will stage ‘Amina Sundari’ at the Experimental Theatre Hall. Teerondaz Repertory will present ‘Konthonali-te Surjo’ on the seventh day, followed by Drishtipat Natyadal’s ‘Se Ek Swopner Raat’ on the eighth day. The festival will conclude with Bangladesh Theatre’s production ‘Sea-Morog’ at the National Theatre Hall on the ninth and final day. Alongside the evening theatre productions, the festival will feature a range of cultural performances at the open-air stage outside the auditorium from 4 pm every day. The programmes will include dance, music, recitation and other cultural performances, beginning three hours before the scheduled theatre shows at 7 pm. The festival is the second part of ‘Dhaka Theatre Festival 2026’. Its first part was held at the Zahir Raihan Cultural Centre auditorium in Sutrapur from Aug 16 to 23. The eight-day first part featured theatrical productions by various theatre groups from across the country, alongside open-air cultural programmes combining dance, music, theatre and recitation. The festival is being organised by DSCC in association with the coordination council of Dhaka Theatre Festival 2026.

Some stars arrive, shine brightly and disappear with time. A rare few, however, remain suspended in the memory of generations, their presence refusing to fade even decades after they are gone. In Bangladesh’s cinematic history, few such stars have left an imprint as enduring as Salman Shah, and today marks his 30th death anniversary. Born Chowdhury Mohammad Shahriar Emon on September 19 during the turbulent period of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, the popular actor died on September 6, 1996, at the age of 25. In a career spanning only around four years, Salman Shah became one of the defining stars of 1990s Bangladeshi cinema. He made his debut with “Keyamat Theke Keyamat” in 1993 and went on to win audiences with films, including “Sotter Mrittu Nei”, “Shujon Shokhi”, “Ei Ghor Ei Shongshar”, “Anondo Osru” and more. His screen pairing with Shabnur became particularly popular, while his performances with other leading actresses, including Moushumi with whom he debuted in Dhallywood, Shabnaz, Lima and Shahnaz, further established him as a romantic hero. His fashion, hairstyles and effortless screen presence also turned him into a trendsetter whose influence continues to be felt in popular culture. However, alongside the enduring affection for the star, questions surrounding his death have remained for three decades. Salman Shah was found unconscious at his residence in New Eskaton on September 6, 1996, and was later declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Subsequent investigations did not establish murder. The Criminal Investigation Department of police concluded that he had died by suicide, while the Police Bureau of Investigation reached the same conclusion in its 2020 investigation. His family, however, has consistently rejected those findings and maintained that he was murdered. The issue took a new turn in October 2025 when a Dhaka court ordered that a murder case be filed over Salman Shah’s death. A case was subsequently filed against 11 people, including his former wife Samira Haque, businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai and actor Ashraful Haque Don. The case remains under investigation. Don was arrested in August this year in connection with the case. The investigation report has been deferred several times, with September 29 set as the latest deadline. As Salman Shah’s 30th death anniversary is observed, his legacy remains remarkably undiminished. For audiences who grew up watching him, he remains the young star captured in the frames of his films, forever at the height of his charm. Social media sites have also been flooded with tributes to the iconic actor by his ardent admirers. One of Dhallywood's biggest “what-ifs”, Salman Shah has never truly left the screen or the hearts of those who made him a legend.  

Leading Emmy nominees including “The Pitt,” “Hacks,” “Pluribus” and “Widow’s Bay” could collect a significant number of awards Sunday during an early ceremony, eight days before the main Primetime Emmy Awards. The Television Academy presents more than 100 Primetime Emmy Awards, with most of them being handed out over two ceremonies this weekend at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Previously known as the Creative Arts Emmys, the events have been renamed as the first two nights of the 78th Emmy Awards. The two ceremonies will be edited into a program scheduled to air on FXX on Sept. 12 and stream on Hulu the following day. The main Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theater. Hosted by Mariska Hargitay, it will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock. “The Pitt,” HBO Max’s medical drama following a day in the life of hospital workers, is this year’s most-nominated series with 25 nominations. After winning best drama for its first season, the show could take home up to nine awards on Sunday. “Hacks,” also from HBO Max, received a record-tying 24 comedy nominations for its fifth and final season and could win as many as 12 awards during Sunday's ceremony. While most of the awards presented this weekend recognize behind-the-scenes work, several well-known actors are also competing, particularly in the guest acting categories. Rob Reiner, who was killed along with his wife Michele Singer Reiner in December, received a posthumous nomination for guest actor in a comedy for his role in “The Bear.” The nomination comes about 50 years after he won two Emmy Awards for his acting in “All in the Family.” Five-time Emmy winner Michael J. Fox is also nominated in the same category for his role in “Shrinking,” where he plays a patient with Parkinson’s disease. The Television Academy has also moved five categories from the Sept. 14 main telecast to Sunday’s ceremony, adding more star power to the event. The categories include supporting actor and supporting actress in a limited series, with nominees such as Jason Bateman, Charles Melton, Dakota Fanning and Laurie Metcalf. “The Pitt” has a strong presence in the drama acting categories, with two nominees for guest actor and three for guest actress. Among them is Tal Anderson, an autistic actor and advocate for better representation of neurodivergent performers. She received her first Emmy nomination for playing Becca King, the younger sister of Dr. Mel King, portrayed by Taylor Dearden. Dearden, who is one of four women from “The Pitt” nominated for supporting actress, will present an award on Sunday. Noah Wyle, the show's star and a four-time nominee at the main ceremony, will also appear as a presenter. “Hacks” dominates the comedy guest actress category, with five of the seven nominees coming from the series, including Leslie Bibb and Metcalf. Metcalf could potentially win two Emmys. Meanwhile, two new series from Apple TV could also make an early impact. The horror comedy “Widow’s Bay” could win up to 10 awards this weekend, while “Pluribus,” a drama created by “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan, could also take home as many as 10 awards. “Pluribus,” which stars Emmy best actress favorite Rhea Seehorn, features Karolina Wydra and Jeff Hiller among its acting nominees. Both are also scheduled to present awards on Sunday. The first night of the Emmy Awards on Saturday focused on unscripted programs, variety series and specials. Sunday's ceremony will spotlight dramas, comedies and limited series, with several of television's biggest shows hoping to gain an early advantage before the main awards ceremony next week.

Hollywood star Robert Pattinson and Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are bringing their own brand of celebrity power to the Venice Film Festival, where both will attend world premieres on Saturday. Pattinson is promoting “Primetime,” a drama based on the controversial NBC reality series “To Catch a Predator” and its host Chris Hansen. The Gallagher brothers are attending for a documentary chronicling Oasis' 2025 reunion tour. Both films are scheduled for release in US theaters this month. The arrival of Pattinson and Oasis comes after several high-profile moments at the festival, including a lifetime achievement award for George Clooney and a strong reception for John Malkovich's performance in “Wild Horse Nine.” Pattinson portrays Chris Hansen “Primetime,” directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh, examines a 2006 sting operation involving Texas assistant district attorney Bill Conradt, who died by suicide as police raided his home while television cameras were present. The film draws on journalist Luke Dittrich's Esquire article “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,” which explored the controversial operation. Oppenheim said he wanted to examine the competing ambitions of a journalist, a television producer and a young Hollywood hopeful whose paths eventually converged in a crisis. Hansen was not involved in the film and has publicly questioned the filmmakers' motives. He has also said he once thought actor Denis Leary would have been a better choice to portray him. Hansen was invited to watch the film ahead of its Venice premiere but objected to being asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement. For Pattinson, “Primetime,” which opens Sept. 25, adds to an already busy year that has included appearances in “The Drama” and “The Odyssey.” He is also set to appear in “Dune: Part Three.” Oasis reunion gets documentary treatment “Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger” combines concert footage with a look at the complicated relationship between Noel and Liam Gallagher, whose long-running feud led to the band's breakup in 2009. The documentary features previously unseen rehearsal footage and the brothers' first joint interview in 25 years. Directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace said they wanted to tell the story of two brothers overcoming a turbulent relationship while also exploring the enduring influence of Oasis' music. The film will receive an IMAX theatrical release in the United States on Sept. 11 through Disney and is expected to stream later this year on Disney+. Oasis reunited for its 2025 tour after remaining inactive for about 15 years.

Police have detained a car and its driver allegedly involved in an accident that left model and actress Meghla Mukta seriously injured in the capital's Banani area on July 28. Banani police informed Meghla's family about the detention on Thursday night. The accident occurred on July 28 when Meghla was crossing a road in Banani and a speeding car hit her before fleeing the scene. Passersby and locals rescued her in a bloodied condition and took her to a hospital. That night, actor Imtiaz Barshan, a friend and co-artist of Meghla, filed a complaint with Banani Police Station. Meghla suffered serious injuries to her face and head in the accident. She subsequently spent nearly a month receiving treatment in an intensive care unit and a cabin. She underwent multiple facial surgeries under the supervision of expert physicians. She recently returned home after making some recovery but has yet to fully recover. Her doctors have told her that she will need more time to recuperate. Following the accident, Meghla's colleagues submitted a written complaint to Banani Police Station against the car and its driver. However, alleging a lack of police action, Meghla's father filed a case with the police station on September 1. Police later informed the family that the car and its driver had been detained. The car was identified after analysing CCTV footage under the direction of Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed, according to sources. However, Meghla has expressed dissatisfaction with the police's role and overall handling of the case, alleging she did not receive the expected cooperation from Banani police following the accident. She alleged that members of her family had to visit the police station repeatedly to help identify the car. Even after the driver was detained, she claimed there was a lack of transparency and unnecessary delay in the process. Meghla also alleged that police merely informed her family about the detention of the car and driver as a formality and did not provide satisfactory explanations regarding the next legal steps or any visible progress towards justice. She and her family have demanded proper legal action against those responsible and exemplary punishment. Recalling her experience, Meghla said, "I have never faced any legal trouble or had to deal with the police in my life. Two incidents have happened to me in the past three months." "My experience with the police in this incident has been very bad. It is extremely disappointing. I never imagined that the police could be so uncooperative," she stated. Meghla added, "We at least know the roads to some extent and have people we know. Even then, we are going through so much harassment. But I truly feel terrible for ordinary people in this country." "It felt to me that they do not receive any kind of legal remedy from the police. I am genuinely frustrated and angry about the whole matter," the actress stated with disappointment. Meghla Mukta made her acting debut with the 2014 Bangladesh-India joint production Aami Shudhu Cheyechhi Tomay. She later appeared in Nabab (2017) and made a notable foray into the South Indian film industry with the Telugu film Sakala Kala Vallabhudu (2019). She subsequently starred in Saiful Islam Mannu's Payer Chhap (2022), marking her first lead role in a Bangladeshi film.

The film, which has reportedly grossed over Rs 117 crore in India, is also expected to make its OTT debut on JioHotstar after its theatrical run Malayalam film Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, is set to reach a wider audience with its Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions releasing in theatres from September 4. Directed by Gireesh AD and produced by Bhavana Studios, the film was released in Malayalam cinemas on August 21. It received a positive response from audiences and has performed strongly at the box office. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has so far grossed around Rs 117.75 crore in India, while its net collection stands at approximately Rs 100.85 crore. The final box office figures are yet to be announced as the film continues its theatrical run. The feel-good romantic drama follows a young woman who moves to a new neighbourhood in the city. After settling in, she develops an interest in an older man living nearby. Besides Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, the film also features Sangeeth Prathap, Suresh Krishna, Vinay Forrt, Roshan Shanavas and Shyam Mohan in key roles. The music has been composed by Vishnu Vijay, with Ajmal Sabu handling cinematography and Akash Joseph Varghese serving as editor. After completing its theatrical run, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is reportedly expected to premiere on JioHotstar. However, an official streaming date has not yet been announced. Source: NDTV

Renowned actress Elina Shammi was seriously injured in a road accident while travelling on a battery-powered rickshaw (an e-rickshaw) in Dhaka on Wednesday evening. The actress said she had gone out to buy some necessary items for a shoot when the accident occurred. According to Shammi, the e-rickshaw was travelling at a high speed when it lost balance after a stone or brick-like object fell under one of its narrow wheels. She fell onto the road as the e-rickshaw overturned and landed on her. Shammi sustained injuries to her head and forehead in the accident. Doctors later put a total of 15 stitches across two wounds. She went to a hospital in  traditional rickshaw after the accident. On Thursday, Shammi shared details of the incident in a social media post, referring to the battery-powered rickshaw as “Tesla” - a sarcastic reference commonly used in Dhaka. “Life is fleeting, and we realise it again and again,” she wrote, expressing concern over road safety and what she described as the growing risks faced by ordinary people on the roads. Recalling the accident, Shammi said she had repeatedly asked the driver to slow down but her warnings went unheeded. “I kept telling him, ‘Brother, please go slowly'; but he was racing against the wind,” she wrote. She said the wheel apparently lost balance after running over a stone or brick-like object, causing the driver to be thrown in one direction while she fell onto the road and the vehicle landed on her. Shammi said a screw from the wheel may have cut her forehead and injured the front portion of her head. She thanked Allah for saving her life and said the accident could have resulted in more serious consequences. “Allah has given me another chance at life. Alhamdulillah,” she wrote. Questioning the safety of battery-powered rickshaws, Shammi asked who would take responsibility for the damage and injuries caused by such accidents. She also requested her followers to pray for her recovery and safety.