United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, in association with the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), celebrated Ashadhi Purnima on Thursday at the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery in the capital, highlighting the shared spiritual heritage of Bangladesh and India. Marking the sacred day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath—known as Dhammachakkapavattana or the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma—Ashadhi Purnima also signifies the beginning of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic retreat during the rainy season. Sharing blessings on the occasion, Most Venerable Buddhapriya Mahathero, President of the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, emphasised the profound significance of the day in the Buddhist calendar and its timeless call for peace and spiritual discipline. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma addressed the gathering and underlined the deep-rooted Buddhist ties between the two countries. “India, being the land of the Buddha’s enlightenment, first sermon, and Mahaparinirvana, and Bangladesh being home to great Buddhist leaders such as Lord Atisha, reflect a shared spiritual legacy,” he said. He added that India remains committed to preserving and promoting Buddhist teachings and heritage through initiatives such as the Buddhist Circuit, which allows pilgrims to retrace the Buddha’s footsteps from Lumbini to Bodh Gaya, Sarnath to Kushinagar. He also spoke about India’s support for monastic education and conservation of Buddhist artefacts. Vice-Presidents of the Sangha, Ranjit Kumar Barua and Venerable Swarupananda Bhikkhu, were also present at the event, which was attended by youth delegates, monks, artists, academics, diplomats, and members of the Buddhist community in large numbers. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the awakening of wisdom, followed by sacred chants from the Tripitaka led by Venerable Anandamitra Mahathero. A short documentary titled 'The Way of Buddha' was screened, presenting a visual journey through the life, teachings, and global influence of the Buddha. The highlight of the evening was a special dance performance titled 'Buddha – The Enlightened One', choreographed and performed by celebrated classical dancer Anisul Islam Hero, Director of Srishti Cultural Centre and an ICCR alumnus. Trained in Bharatanatyam under the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara in India, Hero has performed internationally in Austria, Japan, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Australia, and is also known for using dance as a tool for social awareness, including HIV/AIDS advocacy. His performance, along with his ensemble, received resounding applause for its artistic depiction of the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the Buddha’s enduring message of peace, compassion, and self-realization, standing as a vibrant symbol of the enduring cultural and spiritual connection between India and Bangladesh.

The body of actor and model Humaira Asghar was found in Karachi's Defense Housing Authority (DHA) after weeks of silence on Tuesday, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Zone, Syed Asad Raza, confirmed that the body was found in a flat at Ittehad Commercial, Phase VI. Police had reached the location around 3:15 PM to enforce a court order for the flat’s eviction. When they received no response to their knocks, the Gizri police officers broke the lock and barged into the apartment, where they found the actor’s lifeless body. Suresh Raina to make acting debut with Tamil cricket film Preliminary investigations proposed that the body had been lying there for several days, though the exact cause of her death has not been cleared yet. The body was transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal medical procedures. The deceased body, identified as Humaira Asghar Ali, 32, daughter of Asghar Ali, was renting the flat. Authorities have confirmed that the body is believed to be 15 days old. The cause of her death is yet to be confirmed. Humaira Asghar was a renowned artist in the Pakistan entertainment industry, best known for her roles in Pakistan’s popular dramas like Ehsan Faramosh and Guru. She was also an active social media personality. Her sudden and tragic death has left her fans and coworkers in mourning, while others are waiting for further details on her mysterious death.

Baahubali: The Beginning stormed into cinemas and rewrote the rules of Indian filmmaking a decade ago, on July 10, 2015. Directed by SS Rajamouli and co-written by his father V Vijayendra Prasad, the film introduced audiences to the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati, earning over Rs 600 crore at the global box office and transforming its stars into household names. From Prabhas’s portrayal of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali to Rana Daggubati’s menacing Bhallaladeva, the film’s sweeping narrative and cutting-edge visuals captivated audiences across the world. But long before Baahubali became a cultural phenomenon, its roots began with a single character. ‘Night at the Museum’ reboot in development at 20th century studios In a 2015 interview with Forbes, Rajamouli revealed, “It all started with the character of Sivagami. One day about 9 or 10 years back my father told me about this character. The first scene of the film is what he [Rajamouli's father V Vijayendra Prasad] narrated to me, where Sivagami saves the child and she dies, that was very emotional.” “But he just told me about that character, there was no story or anything. But the character was there, then a few years later he told me about the character Kattappa, the loyal slave. And later he told me about the character of Bhallala Deva.” So then about 4 or 5 years back we said why don’t we bring all these characters together to make a story. And then things started falling into place, he added. Rajamouli said, “Most of the time the creator doesn’t know where he gets his inspiration from. It just gets into your mind, gets churned up with a hundred other stories, and when the output comes you don’t know where the actual source is from.” The film’s legacy only grew with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, solidifying the saga as one of Indian cinema’s greatest triumphs.

The museum is reopening its doors, with a fresh chapter of “Night at the Museum” officially in the works. 20th Century Studios and 21 Laps Entertainment are developing a reimagining of the beloved franchise, with Tripper Clancy on board to write the script. Plot details are still under wraps, but the upcoming film is expected to feature a brand-new story set in the museum, introducing a fresh cast of characters. According to Variety, longtime franchise collaborators Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce the project under their 21 Laps banner, with Emily Morris overseeing for the company. Clancy’s previous writing credits include Stuber, I Am Not Okay With This, Die Hart, and Die Hart 2: Die Harter. New ‘Superman’ film aims to inspire hope in a cynical world The Night at the Museum series began in 2006 with Levy directing the original trilogy: Night at the Museum (2006), Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), and Secret of the Tomb (2014). An animated sequel, Kahmunrah Rises Again, directed by Matt Danner, premiered in 2022 on Disney+. Ben Stiller led the first three films as Larry Daley, a night guard who discovers the museum’s exhibits come to life after dark. The franchise featured an ensemble cast including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, and Rami Malek. The live-action trilogy earned over $1.3 billion globally.

A group of yoga enthusiasts gathered in a Rio de Janeiro favela for the first session of a free training program designed to certify local residents as yoga instructors. Leading the event was Krishna Das, the acclaimed American singer known for performing Hindu devotional music (kirtan). Participants joined together in chanting, singing, clapping, and dancing during a spiritual session led by Das. “It felt like I had stepped into another world,” said Luciene Costa Gonzaga de Andrade, a 54-year-old hairdresser from Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela. “The mantras lift the spirit and turn sorrow into happiness. It was magical.” De Andrade, one of 20 Rocinha residents enrolled in the training, began practicing yoga to ease chronic lower back pain that once forced her to use a cane. She now hopes to transition from her work at a salon to teaching yoga full-time. “This kind of training would usually be unaffordable for someone like me,” she said. “Maybe one day I’ll leave the salon behind and focus on teaching.” The initiative is a 14-month program by the Yoganaya International School and wellness company Mude. It aims to train 180 yoga instructors from Rio and São Paulo’s low-income neighborhoods. Graduates will receive paid internships within their communities. Participants are provided with uniforms, yoga mats, sound equipment, stipends, and job support. Renata Mozzini, founder of Yoganaya, said the program was created to break the “elitist bubble” around yoga. “Many people here assume yoga isn’t for them — that it’s for the wealthy or those with perfect lives. But yoga is for everyone,” she said, highlighting existing local yoga efforts like the community-led “Yoga na Lage” (Yoga on the Rooftop) in Rocinha. Organizers invited Krishna Das to join the kickoff after hearing he was touring South America. The event, held in a scenic open-air space overlooking Rio’s iconic landmarks like the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and Christ the Redeemer, drew around 150 attendees. “It was such a rich and beautiful evening,” Das told the Associated Press. “It’s a joy to sing with them, to inspire them, and to support their journey despite the challenges they face.” Among those inspired was Daniela Moraes, a 47-year-old beach vendor from Rocinha who is also training to be a yoga teacher. A longtime fan of Krishna Das on YouTube, she was moved to hear him live — especially in her own neighborhood. “Seeing him here in the favela makes it even more meaningful,” she said. “This kind of experience shouldn’t be exclusive.”  

Superman is returning to the big screen with more than just superpowers — filmmaker James Gunn hopes the iconic hero will reignite hope in an increasingly skeptical world. “Everybody’s gotten so cynical and ironic,” said Gunn. “Everybody’s ironic about everything all the time. And he (Superman) is a good-natured guy who wants to be kind. And when you see the world through Superman’s eyes, everyone is beautiful.” Opening in theaters nationwide Thursday, Superman marks a tonal shift for Gunn, known for the irreverent energy of Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy. With this film, optimism takes center stage — fitting for a character who has represented hope since debuting in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Gunn’s story introduces a Superman already three years into his mission to help those in need. Now, he must grapple with the meaning of doing good in a morally complex world, where adversaries like Lex Luthor question his motives. “We get to really discover what are his flaws, what are his opinions, what are his ideals,” said Gunn. “I think we get a very intimate look at his relationship with Lois. I also think that it’s a bigger movie than it’s ever been told with Superman before.” This version of Superman, played by David Corenswet, seeks acceptance from his adopted planet. Gunn asked Corenswet to tap into both physical strength and emotional vulnerability. “Any fantasy I had of transforming into this character sort of got dashed by James’ desire, I think, for me to bring a little more of myself to the role,” Corenswet told The Associated Press. A Justice Gang with a Purpose The film also introduces a new group of allies — the so-called “Justice Gang” — including Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Green Lantern member Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). While the name is a placeholder, the theme of collective action runs strong. Merced said watching the film after a tough week of real-world news left her feeling unexpectedly uplifted. “I was really relieved when I watched it,” she said. “I was having a terrible week, consuming way too much real media and watching this made me feel really light and happy and at least hopeful.” Gathegi described the film as a “meditation on the human spirit,” adding, “Whatever problem that you’re going through, you can attack. If it’s a big societal issue or interpersonal issue, you have the power to deal with the problems that you can deal with.” Highlighting Journalism’s Role While Superman fights villains, his alter ego Clark Kent and the Daily Planet team fight misinformation and injustice. The newsroom is more than a backdrop — it’s part of the film’s core message. “James’ intentional focus on the importance of journalism and journalistic integrity in this film is potentially more important now than it has been,” said Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane. “It’s been an honor to step into that.” Beck Bennett, who plays reporter Steve Lombard, emphasized the power of the press: “They are exposing some truth so that people can get the truth and turn on the person who is actually doing them harm.” Skyler Gisondo, portraying reporter Jimmy Olsen, said the newsroom scenes carried real weight: “Reading the script, you have a sense that the work that we’re doing is just as important as the action itself.” A Legacy of Hope The film even includes a cameo by real-life journalist Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, who played Superman in the 1978 classic. “That means a lot to me, and I think that has a lot with what Superman is and represents as a character,” Reeve said of his father’s legacy. For Wendell Pierce, who plays editor Perry White, superhero stories like Superman have a deeper role in culture: “People want to feel empowered. They want to feel as though they can make a contribution in some way and change the dynamic to change this dysfunctional paradigm.” He added, “So we turn off the lights and go into a small theater because we want to see collectively, decide what our values are and who we are, where we’ve been, where we’ve failed, where we can triumph... and walk out of the theater and act on those.”  

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has opened up about his relationship with girlfriend Gauri Spratt, revealing that while the couple may not have formally tied the knot, he already feels emotionally committed to her. Speaking to Screen, the 60-year-old actor said, “Gauri and I are really serious about each other, and we are in a committed space. We are partners. We are together. Marriage is something… in my heart, I’m already married to her. So, whether we formalise it or not is something I will decide as we go along.” Aamir introduced Gauri Spratt to the public on his 60th birthday earlier this year. Gauri, who owns a salon in Mumbai, is also associated with Aamir Khan Productions. Since going public with their relationship, the couple has made several appearances together, including at the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par, where they arrived hand-in-hand. War 2 Plot Leaks Spark Buzz Around Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr Reflecting on how they met, Aamir earlier told podcaster Raj Shamani that their relationship began unexpectedly. “Gauri and I met by mistake and we connected. We became friends, and love happened. I used to think I didn’t need a partner because I have my mother, kids, and siblings – so many close relationships.” On the work front, Aamir was last seen in Sitaare Zameen Par, which hit theatres on June 20, 2025. The film is considered a spiritual sequel to his acclaimed 2007 release Taare Zameen Par. Source: NDTV

Acclaimed filmmaker Redoan Rony and popular actor Afran Nisho are set to collaborate for the first time in Redoan Rony's upcoming feature film 'Domm', inspired by true events and slated for release during Eid-ul-Fitr next year.   Both Rony and Nisho confirmed their involvement in the project which they described as a performance-driven, large-canvas film with strong emotional depth.   Written and directed by Rony—who earned a National Film Award for 'Chorabali', his debut feature—'Domm' narrates a story about the “power of a common man.”   “This is a story I’ve been waiting to tell for a long time,” Rony said about the film, adding: “The film is about a regular man rising against the odds. It’s not just about me, this story will inspire audiences too.”   Afran Nisho, who has gained widespread popularity through his recent performances in his debut film 'Surongo' and this year's superhit Eid film 'Daagi', called 'Domm' a “survival and inspirational story” unlike anything he has seen before in Bangladeshi cinema.   “There’s an intensity in the narrative, to which I was drawn immediately. It’s a big challenge for any actor, and that makes it even more exciting,” said Nisho, adding: “This film might be even bigger in scale than my last two.”   Though both Rony and Nisho have worked extensively in the media industry for years, 'Domm' marks their first collaboration and their debut film together.   Kolkata 20th Tele Cine Awards: Afzal Hossain, Chanchal Chowdhury, Bappa Mazumder honoured   Interestingly, when the project was initially announced in December 2023, it was revealed that celebrated actor Chanchal Chowdhury would be the main lead of the cast. Addressing questions about Chowdhury’s involvement now, Rony clarified that both actors will star in the film together: “Having both Nisho and Chanchal onboard is a dream comes true scenario for 'Domm'.”   Speaking about the film, Chanchal Chowdhury noted, “Redoan Rony returning to direction is itself a reason to celebrate. The story of 'Domm' is remarkable—one I haven’t come across before."    "It’s a challenging project, and I believe audiences will be surprised,” Chanchal Chowdhury mentioned.    As anticipation builds, fans have taken to social media with questions about the lead female actor and shooting locations. Rony responded, “We’re in the final stages of casting and location scouting. I’m grateful for the overwhelming interest and hope to begin filming very soon.”   The film is being jointly produced by SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Limited and Chorki. Shahriar Shakil, Managing Director of SVF Alpha-i, expressed high hopes for the project.   “After 'Surongo', 'Toofan', 'Daagi', and 'Taandob', the audience now expects powerful storytelling and performance. With 'Domm', we are committed to delivering just that,” Shakil said.   'Domm' will be Redoan Rony’s third film. Apart from 'Chorabali', he is known for creating numerous hit TV dramas like 'Housefull', 'FNF', 'Behind the Scene', and 'Pata Jhorar Din'.   He currently serves as the CEO of Chorki, one of the country's leading and successful OTT platforms.

The much-anticipated Bollywood movie ‘War 2’ featuring Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr is set to hit cinemas on August 14, 2025. This high-octane action thriller has already captured attention long before its release. A social media post has claimed to leak the film’s plot, igniting a storm across the online community. Some are surprised by the rumour, others are more thrilled, and many are finding humour in it. Let’s unpack what’s making fans so restless about the upcoming Bollywood film War 2. A Brief Background: The Growing Hype Around War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the action movie gears up to expand the ever-growing YRF Spy Universe. As a direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, the movie marks the return of Hrithik Roshan as the elusive RAW agent, Kabir Dhaliwal. His character, shrouded in mystery and grit, continues to fuel curiosity across fan circles. This time, the stakes rise even higher with the addition of Telugu cinema icon NTR Rama Rao Jr. For the first time, he’ll share screen space with Hrithik, an on-screen pairing that’s generating serious buzz. Their face-off or alliance remains a tightly held secret, and that's part of the thrill. Read more: Aditya Roy Kapur–Sara Ali Khan’s Metro... in Dino Off to an Uneven Box Office Run Adding to the intrigue is Kiara Advani, who appears in a bold new role. A brief glimpse of her in the official promo was enough to spark speculation. This All Started with A Reddit Thread The Reddit post paints a high-stakes picture of the ‘War’ sequel, centring on Agent Kabir’s descent into darkness. Once India’s top spy, he’s now portrayed as the nation’s most dangerous enemy. In response, a new force emerges, Agent Vikram, described as a ruthless special units officer fuelled by inner torment. The narrative hints at an intense, globe-spanning confrontation between two formidable operatives. Themes of moral ambiguity, emotional depth, and violent spectacle underscore the synopsis. The thread uses a metaphor by saying ‘Cat versus Rottweiler’, emphasising raw brutality and tactical brilliance. However, this leaked plot appears designed to stir fan frenzy rather than reveal verified details. While the story reads like an explosive teaser, it remains unsubstantiated by any official word from the production team. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025

Matt Cameron, the longtime drummer for rock band Pearl Jam, announced Monday he is leaving the group after nearly three decades. In a heartfelt social media post, the 62-year-old musician wrote, “After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.” Cameron did not provide a reason for his departure. Pearl Jam released a statement calling Cameron a “singular and true powerhouse” who had propelled the band’s live shows and studio recordings for nearly three decades. “It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” the band said. No replacement was named. Cameron joined Pearl Jam in 1998, initially as a touring drummer after Jack Irons left the band. He brought much-needed stability behind the drum kit after several lineup changes. His first studio album with the band was Binaural in 2000. BTS’ ‘Dynamite’ ranks 34th on Apple Music’s decade list Before joining Pearl Jam, Cameron rose to fame with Soundgarden, playing through the height of Seattle’s grunge explosion. He briefly juggled duties with both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam from 2010 to 2017. Cameron recently completed a yearlong tour with Pearl Jam in support of their 12th studio album, Dark Matter. Born in San Diego and later moving to Seattle, Cameron has been a prominent figure in rock for more than three decades. Source: Agency