United News of Bangladesh

A photographic exhibition based on the unreleased Bangladeshi film ‘An Apple Tree Inside the Head’, directed by Fazly Rabbi Mridha, is underway at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). Goopy Bagha Productions Limited and Views & Vision Production are jointly presenting the exhibition, which opened on Tuesday and will continue until Sep 19 at the Dhanmondi venue. The exhibition features photographs taken during the making of the film, offering visitors glimpses of its visual and emotional world through characters, landscapes, gestures and fleeting moments. The opening was attended by anthropologist and public intellectual Dr Manosh Chowdhury, theatre, television and film actor Jayita Mahalanobish, and independent filmmaker Josim Ahmed, founder of Views & Vision Production and one of the film’s producers. Producer Arifur Rahman said the exhibition was conceived as an alternative way of presenting the film beyond conventional distribution channels. “As a producer, I see cinema as an artistic expression that must travel and reach as many people as possible. Yet conventional distribution systems do not always allow a film to find its widest audience,” he said. “With this exhibition, we are breaking away from those familiar routes and giving ‘An Apple Tree Inside the Head’ a new life through photography,” Rahman added. Written and directed by Fazly Rabbi Mridha, the film draws on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit to explore faith, fear, family and the human mind. The story follows Mintu Mridha, whose wife Jasmin and son Shohag often wander away from home without explanation. Believing an unseen force has entered his family, Mintu seeks help from a saint, who gives him a blessed apple believed to have healing powers. As strange patterns recur and the boundaries between reality and illusion begin to blur, the apple assumes an increasingly mysterious significance, becoming a possible cure, temptation and symbol of the unknown. The film is produced by Bijon Imtiaz, Arifur Rahman and Josim Ahmed. Fazly Rabbi Mridha previously directed ‘Payer Tolay Maati Nai’, which received the Gautam Buddha Award for Best Feature Film at the 5th Nepal International Film Festival and a Special Jury Mention for Best Debut Film at the 7th Jaffna International Cinema Festival in Sri Lanka. Open to all, the exhibition welcomes visitors daily from 3 pm to 9 pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.

Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour faced major disruption Tuesday after four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage. Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were leaving the tour, shortly after Sheeran posted about Macklemore's removal and said the decision was made by the tour's promoters. Rowe and Lukas Graham were due to replace Macklemore on Sheeran's remaining US dates. Beoga had been joining Sheeran for several songs, including some they co-wrote, during the middle of his sets. Finneas, the brother and musical collaborator of Billie Eilish, was scheduled to join Sheeran's South American tour later this year. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on Instagram. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Pressure grows on SheeranThe withdrawals have increased pressure on Sheeran, who has generally avoided taking a public political position on the Gaza conflict. He has said fans attend his concerts for music rather than political discussions. Rowe and Beoga referred to Ireland's history in explaining their decisions. “We are Irish people who understand colonialism,” Beoga said. “As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.” Rowe described Sheeran as a friend who had changed his life but said his Irish background made it difficult for him to remain silent. “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said, adding that he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.” Lukas Graham, known for hits including “Mama Said” and “7 Years,” thanked Sheeran and described its decision as difficult. “Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge,” the band said in an Instagram post, apparently referring to billionaire Robert Kraft's reported role in Macklemore's removal. Emails seeking comment were sent to Sheeran and the tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group. Macklemore's removal sparks disputeSheeran addressed Macklemore's removal after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during their tour. Sheeran said the decision was made solely by the promoters and that he did not want to become involved in a public debate over the Gaza war. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram Tuesday. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.” His statement came a day after Macklemore said he had been removed from the Loop Tour after saying “Free Palestine!” during a Sept. 5 concert at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium while introducing his protest song “Hind's Hall.” “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” Macklemore said during the concert. Macklemore said Monday that several US venues had told the promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran's opening act following efforts by Kraft, owner of the NFL's New England Patriots. Kraft's Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, the Patriots' home. In a statement Monday, Kraft said Macklemore was removed because of his recent comments and what Kraft described as a wider history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that he said had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Kraft's representatives did not immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the other artists' decisions to leave the tour. Sheeran says he is “not complicit”A growing number of organizations and experts have said Israel's wartime actions in Gaza amount to genocide, an allegation that Israel strongly rejects. Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 remaining shows on Sheeran's stadium tour, which is due to resume Saturday in Philadelphia. The upcoming stops include Gillette Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Sheeran said he had spoken extensively with venues throughout the week in an effort to find a solution, but the venues and promoter ultimately stood by their decision. He said he tries to use his music to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures. While he has personal views about the “devastating conflict,” he said he chooses not to discuss them publicly because concertgoers do not expect his shows to become political forums. “I am not complicit,” Sheeran wrote. “I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” he added. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.” Sheeran said he prefers to use his public platform as “a place of safety and sanctuary” and to support diplomacy and keep conversations open.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday visited the residence of actor Azmeri Haque Badhon and her family to inquire about their well-being, following the difficult situation she recently faced in Italy. Badhon said Kobir visited her home on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She shared a photo of the visit on social media on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the state minister’s initiative. “State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir Humaiun Kobir visited our home on behalf of Hon'ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to inquire about me and my family. I am deeply honoured and grateful for his sincerity, courtesy and sense of responsibility,” Badhon wrote. She said the government’s support during the difficult time had reassured her personally and strengthened her confidence in the state. “This initiative to stand beside us on behalf of the state has not only reassured me personally, but also strengthened my trust in the state as a citizen,” she said. Badhon added that the incident had reminded her that unity, courage and a sense of responsibility towards others are among the strongest tools against injustice, fear and division. “Differences of opinion may exist, but there can be no compromise when it comes to a citizen’s safety, dignity and rights,” she said. The actor also expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government, the head of government, the Bangladesh Embassy, the Italian government and police, as well as those at home and abroad who stood by her, inquired about her and her family, and provided humanitarian assistance and support. She said the experience had shown once again that when people unite in support of justice and truth, their strength to stand against injustice increases manifold. “I believe our collective responsibility is to build a safe, dignified, democratic and humane Bangladesh,” she said.

Renowned fiction director and playwright Maruf Hossain Sajib died of cardiac complications early Tuesday. He was 40. He breathed his last at around 5 am, according to the Directors Guild Bangladesh. Sajib had been suffering from heart-related complications and recently underwent treatment, after which he recovered, according to people close to him. The Directors Guild Bangladesh expressed deep shock and sorrow at his death in a condolence message issued Tuesday morning. “Directors Guild Bangladesh's respected member Maruf Hossain Sajib passed away today at 5 am,” the organisation said, praying for the salvation of his soul and extending condolences to his family. His namaz-e-janaza was held after Zuhr prayers at a mosque in Uttara on Tuesday. He was later buried at the Sector 12 graveyard, it said. The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow directors and actors. Actor Tawsif Mahbub expressed shock at Sajib's sudden death, saying he had spoken to the director only recently about future work and plans. “It is difficult to believe that Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai is no longer with us,” Tawsif wrote in a Facebook post, recalling their recent conversation and describing Sajib's death as a painful reminder of life's uncertainty. Actress Mehazabien Chowdhury recalled her interactions with Sajib during the years when she regularly worked in television dramas. “I didn't work with Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai very much, but I met him many times. When I used to regularly work in dramas, whenever I met him, we would talk about many things,” she wrote. Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba also mourned Sajib's death, writing, “Our beloved director Maruf Hossain Sajib is no more,” and praying that Allah grants him Jannatul Ferdous. Director Jahid Preetom recalled Sajib's encouragement and support when they first met during a shoot in Uttara. Preetom described Sajib as a humble, sociable and realistic person who often encouraged fellow filmmakers and offered support whenever they needed it. Director Chayanika Chowdhury also expressed shock at his death, recalling Sajib's warm greetings whenever they met and his appreciation for her work. Sajib had worked in the television and online fiction industry for many years as a director and playwright. His notable works include ‘Bilop’, ‘Babui Pakhir Basa’, ‘Rongin Kagoj’, ‘Adhar’, ‘Security Girl’, ‘Tomake Pawar Jonno’, ‘Hashi’, ‘Bikel Belar Chhad’, ‘Dushto Mishti Prem’, ‘Adorer Chand’ and ‘Jora Shaliker Ghor’, among others.    

Bangladeshi feature film 'Jaya Aar Sharmin' and documentary 'Mamun: In Praise of Shadows' have won awards at the 5th World Film Festival Kolkata 2026, which concluded Sunday at Nandan in Kolkata, India. Directed by Piplu R Khan, 'Jaya Aar Sharmin' received the Bimal Roy Golden Award for Best Feature Film, while Makbul Chowdhury’s 'Mamun: In Praise of Shadows' received a Jury Mention in the documentary section. Organised by the Eastern Region of the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI), the six-day festival featured 38 films, including 19 feature films in competition from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Spain, Germany, Costa Rica, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela and Uzbekistan. Bangladesh was represented in the feature-film competition by Jaya Aar Sharmin and Nurul Alam Atique’s 'Manusher Bagan'. 'Mamun: In Praise of Shadows' was selected for the documentary section. The competition jury comprised Professor Ujjal Chakraborty, Dr Rita Dutta and Dr Pradeep Kenchanuru. The closing ceremony and awards presentation were held at Nandan-III on Sunday.  Actor Jaya Ahsan, filmmaker Sudeshna Roy and Dr Sisir Sahana, professor at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, attended the ceremony as guests of honour. Other filmmakers, artists and industry professionals present included director Boban Govindan, producer M Rahman Lenin, actors Orchita Sporshia and Manoj Pramanik, cinematographer Joaher Musavvir Jyoti and music director Debojyoti Mishra. Producer Abu Shahed Emon expressed pride over 'Jaya Aar Sharmin’s international recognition, saying its reception among critics and cinema audiences marked an encouraging moment for Bangladeshi cinema. Directed and co-written by Piplu R Khan, with Nusrat Islam Maati as co-writer, 'Jaya Aar Sharmin' is an 86-minute psychological drama set during the pandemic lockdown. The film explores the changing relationship and shifting power dynamics between an actress, played by Jaya Ahsan, and her domestic aide Sharmin, portrayed by theatre actor Mohsina Akhter. Tanjim Saiyara Totini appears in a guest role. The film was jointly produced by Abu Shahed Emon of Golpo Rajjo Films, Jaya Ahsan of C Te Cinema and Piplu R Khan of Applebox Films. Meanwhile, 'Mamun: In Praise of Shadows' centres on the life and work of renowned Ekushey Padak-winning Bangladeshi photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, who pioneered artistic portrait photography in the country during the 1970s. Festival Director Premendra Majumder said the programme was selected through a competitive curation process involving numerous international submissions.

Ladakh filmmaker Stanzin Jigmet has won the Gold award at the 53rd Student Academy Awards for his film “The Dragon Letter,” bringing international recognition to Indian cinema. The awards ceremony was held on Sept. 14 during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This year, the Student Academy Awards received 2,972 submissions from students representing 894 colleges and universities around the world, according to ANI. Jigmet had earlier shared a note on Instagram in August after the winners were announced. “The Dragon Letter @thedragonletter has won a Student Academy Award 2026. From the remote village of Mulbekh in Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas, to the Academy — this journey still feels unreal,” he wrote. He dedicated the award to his family, friends, cast and crew, as well as ESCAC, Pixel Challenger Films and everyone who supported him and his personal story. “Where we come from does not limit how far our stories can travel,” Jigmet wrote. Academy CEO Bill Kramer, Directors Branch Governor and Academy Museum Trustee Jason Reitman, and Academy Foundation Board President and Casting Directors Branch Governor Kim Taylor-Coleman delivered remarks at the ceremony. Actor Gemma Chan, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus and actor Gael Garcia Bernal served as presenters. The winning Student Academy Award films will be eligible for consideration in three short-film categories at the 99th Academy Awards — Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Documentary Short Film. Jigmet holds a master’s degree in film directing from ESCAC in Barcelona, Spain. He is also the founder of Pixel Challenger Films, a Ladakh-based production house specializing in cinema-grade productions. This version keeps the award details, Instagram statement, ceremony information and Jigmet’s background while making the language more natural for a news report. Source: NDTV

Macaulay Culkin remembered Catherine O’Hara as more than the actor who played his mother in the “Home Alone” films. To him, she was simply “mama.” Culkin joined O’Hara’s “Schitt’s Creek” co-stars Annie Murphy and Dan Levy on stage at Monday night’s Emmy Awards for an emotional tribute to the acclaimed comic actor, who died Jan. 30 at age 71. “She wasn’t just a wife to Bo (Welch) and mother to Matthew and Luke,” Culkin said. “She was my mom. She was our mama, and by extension, she’s all of our mama.” Culkin urged viewers to call their mothers and recalled how O’Hara remained supportive of him decades after they worked together in two “Home Alone” films. O’Hara played Kate McCallister, the mother of Culkin’s Kevin, in the 1990 original and its 1992 sequel. Both became popular holiday films and regular television favorites. “This is the best that we can do for her tonight. We’re showing up for her,” Culkin said. “She may have forgotten me twice, but we will always remember her.” O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. Her five-decade career included the Canadian sketch comedy series “SCTV,” the “Home Alone” films, Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries and her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.” Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan performed during the in-memoriam segment, which honored O’Hara and other television industry figures who died over the past year. The tribute also remembered entertainment icon Dolly Parton, actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner, actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. and costume designer Bob Mackie, who died earlier Monday. Murphy, who played O’Hara’s daughter Alexis Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” remembered her co-star’s distinctive laugh and the happiness she brought to audiences. “Catherine’s laugh was a perpetual ‘yes, and,’” Murphy said. “It challenged anyone who heard it to join in and be as delighted as she was, and she spread that delight everywhere.” Murphy said strangers across Canada shared their grief with her following O’Hara’s death. She recalled receiving a note from a passenger on an Air Canada flight, getting a hug from a gas station attendant and meeting a woman who performed a combination of O’Hara’s characters while Murphy was buying wine. “These are only a very few of the interactions I’ve been lucky enough to have that remind me how profoundly Catherine has impacted the world,” Murphy said. “And it’s because she brought us joy.” Levy, who co-created “Schitt’s Creek” and played O’Hara’s onscreen son David Rose, said one of the most important lessons he learned from her was to “always say yes,” especially when it came to her creative ideas. He recalled how O’Hara helped develop Moira Rose into an unusual television character over the age of 60 who wore leather miniskirts and high heels and spoke in an unusual, sometimes difficult-to-understand accent. Levy also remembered her creative ideas, including Moira’s large collection of wigs. “Say yes to the concept of a wig wall. Say yes to her asking to wear a wig as a hat. Say yes to her naming that wig,” Levy said. “Say yes to giving her space to experiment and create. It will amaze you on a daily basis, and it will change your life.” Levy also spoke about O’Hara’s kindness and generosity away from the set. “Say yes to her dinner invites and her stories and her wisdom and her generosity,” he said. “Those are the things you will hold on to the tightest. Always say yes to any opportunity to revel in the presence of greatness.”

Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon returned to Bangladesh on Monday morning after recently being assaulted and harassed while attending the Venice International Film Festival in Italy. Badhon attended the Venice International Film Festival last week with the team of Rubaiyat Hossain’s film The Difficult Bride. The film had its world premiere at Sala Darsena on Sep 6. She was assaulted and harassed after the premiere when she went out with family members. Badhon arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday, where she spoke to journalists about the incident and its aftermath. “Those who carried out the attack are actually putting themselves in trouble. They thought they would get away with it," Badhon said in response to a question. “It was not just verbal abuse from a distance, slogans or throwing water. They laid their hands on me. Their barbarity must stop; they are actually making their own place unsafe,” she said. Badhon said the incident had also tarnished Bangladesh’s image abroad. “My expatriate brothers behaved barbarically with me and attacked me in a very disgusting manner. Because of this, our country’s name was tarnished on foreign soil,” she said. “Foreigners may think that we are constantly fighting among ourselves as a nation and that whoever goes somewhere is attacked. That is simply unacceptable,” she added. Badhon alleged that she was targeted because of her active role in the July-August 2024 student-led mass movement, and identified the attackers as supporters of the Awami League and the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, whose activities are currently banned. Addressing supporters of the Awami League, she urged them not to blindly follow the party. “You can love and support a party, but please do not become blind followers. If you are held accountable today, your family will suffer,” she said. She also urged Awami League leaders to reconsider the political direction they were pursuing. “Being a major political party, you are creating a blueprint for what kind of politics you will pursue. Please do not create one that will make you ashamed in the future,” Badhon said. Regarding the support she received following the attack, Badhon said the director of the Venice Film Festival, the Italian government, the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy had helped her. However, she alleged that her own team had disowned her and barred her from participating in the remaining festival activities. “They disowned me and prohibited me from joining them for the rest of the festival. Later, although I was supposed to attend the Toronto International Film Festival, they also barred me from going there,” she said. Among her co-actors, she said, Sunerah, Zayneen and Zayneen’s mother had provided her with significant support. Badhon also expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government, the prime minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their support following the incident. “Government officials contacted me on the night of the incident. The ambassador of Bangladesh in Italy was extremely supportive,” she said. “The Italian government, the cultural minister, the undersecretary and the police department provided me with 24-hour protection every day. For security reasons, the director of the Venice Film Festival also arranged for me to stay at the Lido,” she added. Badhon thanked people in Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis for standing by her regardless of their political affiliations. “Alhamdulillah, Allah does everything for the best. I will never forget the support I received from people across the country, including supporters of both the opposition and the government, regardless of their political ideology, as well as expatriate Bangladeshis,” she said.

The 78th Emmy Awards are set to take place Monday night, with HBO Max’s “The Pitt” hoping to strengthen its place among television’s top shows and Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” arriving with strong momentum. The ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Mariska Hargitay, the longtime star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and a three-time Emmy winner, will host the event on NBC. The network has prepared a peacock-blue carpet to mark its 100th anniversary. The ceremony will also mark the 30th anniversary of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the 50th anniversary of “Charlie’s Angels,” with members of both casts expected to appear as presenters. How to watch the EmmysThe Emmy Awards rotate among the major US broadcast networks. This year, the ceremony will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock at 8 p.m. Eastern time, or 5 p.m. Pacific. “Live from E!: Countdown to the Emmys” will cover stars arriving at the ceremony from 5 p.m. Eastern, or 2 p.m. Pacific, on YouTube and Peacock. The Associated Press will also provide a delayed feed of celebrity arrivals on YouTube. ‘The Pitt,’ ‘Widow’s Bay’ and ‘Hacks’ lead the race“The Pitt,” a real-time drama set in a hospital emergency room, was a newcomer at last year’s Emmys but quickly became one of television’s top shows. It won best drama, best actor for Noah Wyle and best supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. The show is expected to defend all three awards this year and could win three more. Wyle is competing for three awards, while the cast received four nominations for supporting actress and three for supporting actor. “Hacks,” which received the most nominations among comedy series for its fifth and final season on HBO Max, is also a strong contender. Its star, Jean Smart, is widely expected to win best actress in a comedy for the fifth consecutive time. However, Apple TV’s horror comedy “Widow’s Bay” could disrupt the expected “Hacks” farewell. The series has already won eight awards at earlier ceremonies covering most of the more than 100 Emmy categories. It could win as many as six more awards Monday. A strong showing could give it 14 Emmys for the season, surpassing the record of 13 set by “The Studio” last year. “Widow’s Bay” star Matthew Rhys is considered a leading contender for best actor in a comedy, while breakout star Kate O’Flynn is among the favorites for best supporting actress. Seehorn, Ford and Zendaya also in contentionRhea Seehorn could earn her first Emmy for best actress in a drama for her role as the central character in Apple TV’s “Pluribus.” Her competitors include Zendaya, who won the award for the first two seasons of “Euphoria” in 2020 and 2022. She is nominated again for the show's third and final season. The ceremony could also bring Harrison Ford his first Emmy and his first major competitive Hollywood award. The 84-year-old actor is among the favorites for best supporting actor in a comedy for his role in “Shrinking,” where he plays a therapist dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

The Hillsong Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia, turned into a vibrant gathering of rock music lovers from the two Bengals on Saturday evening as Bangladesh’s rock icon James and Kolkata-based Fossils frontman Rupam Islam shared the stage before an audience of more than 2,000. The concert, which began around 6:30 pm amid a long queue of spectators outside the venue, kept expatriate Bangladeshis and other Bengali music lovers engaged from evening until late at night. Rupam Islam took the stage shortly before 7 pm and performed around 15 songs, including ‘Ekla Ghor’, 'Phirey Cholo', ‘Hashnuhana’ and ‘Acid’. His energetic performance of more than an hour had the audience singing along, clapping and cheering throughout. After a brief interval, James appeared on stage around 9 pm, drawing loud cheers and applause from the packed auditorium. True to his style, the Nagarbaul frontman wasted little time on words and went straight into his songs.