United News of Bangladesh

The ‘Rising Stars Concert’, featuring three emerging Russian musicians, was held in Dhaka on Friday night at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. The classical music evening was jointly organised by the Russian House in Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, supported by the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The concert showcased performances by Russian artists Stanislav Chernukhin on grand piano, Karina Khovalyg (soprano), and Mikhail Loginov (baritone). At the captivating event, Karina Khovalyg and Mikhail Loginov presented several well-known classical opera pieces from Russia and beyond, delivering vocals that evoked loneliness, grief, and the emotional turmoil of wartime. A highlight of the evening was the performance of the popular wartime song Smuglyanka, with Stanislav Chernukhin’s piano playing creating an atmosphere of romance and melancholy. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados The concert is part of the 'Rising Stars' project by the Russian World Foundation (Russkiy Mir Foundation), initiated in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The project introduces young Russian musical talent to international audiences and promotes cultural diplomacy through concerts and educational events. Earlier, on May 2, the students and graduates of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory conducted a master class at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Pianist Stanislav Chernukhin shared his insights into performing classical compositions by Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach, while vocalists Mikhail Loginov and Karina Khovalyg demonstrated foundational techniques for improving vocal skills. Music enthusiasts of all ages from Dhaka attended the session. The master class revealed numerous hidden talents, inspiring confidence in a promising generation of future performers. The master class, like the concert, is part of the global ‘Rising Stars’ initiative, which highlights the richness of Russian culture, language, and education. Since its inception, the project has gained international acclaim, with performances and masterclasses held worldwide and new tours continually being added. At the beginning of the concert, Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, remarked, “Music transcends borders and strengthens the bond between our two countries. This concert is more than a performance — it is an exchange of cultural heritage.” Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy acting Director General Md Wares Hossain welcomed the audience and emphasized the longstanding cultural ties and friendship between Russia and Bangladesh since the country's independence. The concert is scheduled for a repeat performance on Sunday (May 4), 5 pm, at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi.

The tallest and tiniest living dogs, according to Guinness World Records, recently had a playdate — and despite their extreme size difference, it played out like a typical dog park hangout, full of sniffing, tail wags, and playful running around. Reginald, a 7-year-old Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a 4-year-old chihuahua from Florida, hold official records as the world’s tallest and shortest dogs. While Reginald, also known as Reggie, stands over 3 feet tall (3 feet 3 inches or 1 meter), Pearl is just 3.59 inches (9.14 cm) tall — about the size of an apple. Despite the staggering contrast in stature, the two bonded with ease. Pearl comes from a line of record-holding chihuahuas. Her late aunt, Millie, also held the title of the world’s shortest dog before passing away in 2020. Both Pearl and Millie weighed just one ounce at birth. “I never imagined I’d have another dog break the same record,” said Vanesa Semler, Pearl’s owner from Orlando, Florida. Guinness organized the two-day meet-up in Idaho Falls, where Reggie lives. Although Pearl has a fondness for dogs of all sizes, Semler admitted she was nervous due to Reginald’s towering presence. “To my surprise, Reggie was just like Pearl — but in giant form,” she said. “He’s incredibly gentle and friendly.” Reginald seemed more intrigued by the film crew than Pearl herself, according to his owner, Sam Johnson Reiss. “He’s a people dog more than a dog’s dog,” Reiss said. Reggie approached Pearl with caution, showing an awareness of her tiny frame. “He was careful not to step on her. He was alert and a little unsure.” Reggie’s remarkable height was evident from a young age — even at 9 months, he was taller than adult Great Danes at the dog park. Although the two dogs had minor disagreements over toys and beds, they eventually enjoyed exploring the Idaho farm together. “I think Pearl made a great new friend,” Semler said. Pearl, a true diva at heart, even chooses her outfits each day by placing a paw on her preferred clothes — something Semler says helps when media outlets request interviews. “She’s always been our diva. Now, she’s everyone’s diva.” But Pearl isn’t the only one with a flair for drama. Reiss admits that Reggie can be just as fussy. “He’s got diva tendencies too,” Reiss said. “Reggie’s cheeky, mischievous, and he definitely knows how to get what he wants.”

Black dandyism is taking center stage at the Met Gala, with cultural powerhouses leading this subversive, sharply tailored style into the global fashion spotlight. As a gala host committee member, Janelle Monáe and other trendsetters are helping shape the conversation, framing Black dandyism as a proud tradition — rather than a mere trend — claiming its long-overdue moment of visibility. “It’s always important to educate and reeducate to the world as much as we possibly can through art and through our greatness,” said Monáe, the Grammy-nominated performer who had made dandy style a signature of her fashion. Monáe, inspired by family members who proudly sported the look throughout her upbringing, views the spotlight as an opportunity to pay homage to the past and inspire the future. “Dandyism is pretty much a part of my fashion DNA through tailoring and suiting,” the singer-actor said. “I’ve honored my ancestors and my family who wore their uniforms, wore their suits to serve our community. It fell right in line with who I am, and the people I want to bring with me that helped build this country.” On Monday, with the world watching, a wave of fashion disruptors and stylists will usher Black dandyism from the margins to the Met Gala, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its new costume exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It marks the Met’s first show centered exclusively on Black designers and the first in more than two decades to spotlight menswear. It’s also a tribute to the rich legacy of dandyism, a style that has long carved space for radical self-expression, especially for those overlooked or misunderstood. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados “It’s been a long time coming,” said Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor, who has styled the league’s top players, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua and receiver Kenny Stills. “It’s great to see the recognition that Black culture is having or has in fashion for years,” Smith said. “It’s been there and very subtle, or just not recognized. I think this year’s theme is long overdue. I’m excited to see everybody’s outfits and how they interact with the idea of Black dandyism.” Pillars of Black dandyism This year’s Met Gala co-chairs include Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and honorary chair LeBron James, with Monáe joining the host committee alongside the likes of Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri and André 3000. “I think honoring minorities, honoring Black and brown people in these spaces and outside every day, is important,” said Monáe, who plans to use the red carpet to debut an exclusive collaboration with 1800 Tequila. “The ones who have dedicated their lives to this country to serve, build and give us art to sustain us for a lifetime. We should continue to honor them and push forward and stand on their shoulders.” Several trailblazers helped popularize Black dandyism, a style whose roots trace back to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. From the beginning, dandyism served as a sartorial declaration, reclaiming elegance and luxury as tools of empowerment, challenging stereotypes and honoring Black legacy. This Met Gala moment stands on the shoulders of icons like Frederick Douglass, who wielded sharp dress as a form of power, and Duke Ellington, who transformed suiting into cultural brilliance. Host committee member Dapper Dan reimagined Harlem fashion, remixing luxury into bold statements of Black pride, while the late André Leon Talley — with his capes and commanding presence — redefined fashion authority. Today’s Black dandies carry that legacy forward, blending tradition and rebellion in every lapel for a style that speaks volumes before a word is ever spoken. “We are the walking versions that they imagined,” said El Lewis, an Atlanta-based stylist, who has worked with several entertainers including Usher, Young Thug, Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Justin Skye. “A lot of these people died not being able to have these realities come to fruition. We have a lot of autonomy to ourselves, and I think that’s what they were probably seeking. They wanted to be able to do anything at any moment at any time. And I think that’s what they get to see us do.”    

Emerging Bangla grunge band junkhEäd has stirred excitement among rock enthusiasts with its debut track 'Shamprotik', a song that has been garnering widespread appreciation for reviving the essence of Bangla grunge genre. Released on April 10 across platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, and Facebook, the song has become a talk of the town among the listeners, and Ahsan Titu, founder of junkhEäd and formerly of renowned bands Black and Indalo, talked to UNB regarding the band's journey. According to Titu, junkhEäd introduces a gritty, emotionally charged sound, heavily inspired by the Seattle grunge movement. Titu takes on a multi-faceted role in the band, managing bass, guitar, vocals, and sound design, and throughout his musical journey, he played Bass with Horoscope, X-Trude, and Aashor, as well. "We — Bipu Ifti (guitars) and myself — had been jamming together for over a decade, composing several tracks influenced by the Seattle grunge scene," Titu told UNB. "Over time, we also ventured into post-rock and alternative rock elements."   Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo began crafting songs together in earnest. They were later joined by longtime friend Newton, who contributed additional guitar work. The trio bonded over their shared passion for grunge, shaping the distinct identity of junkhEäd.   On the meaning behind 'Shamprotik', Titu echoed what was already written in the song description, "This song talks about death."

Financial markets are volatile. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level in five years. Economists say recession risks are rising. It all adds up to financial uncertainty for a lot of Americans. Roughly half of U.S. adults say that President Trump's trade policies will increase prices “a lot," according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center of Public Affairs Research. And about half of Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession in the next few months. Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial planning app, says it's a period of uncertainty for everyone, including experts. “No one has a crystal ball. No one, even the people that do this professionally and have done it very successfully for many years, know what’s going to happen,” he said. If you're worried about how economic uncertainty might affect you, here are some expert recommendations: Take stock of your finances The first step to preparing for uncertain financial times is knowing your starting point, Watson said. Look at your budget or your debit card expenses so you can understand how much you spend every month. “Take stock of where you are across a number of different categories,” Watson said. Looking at the state of your savings and investments can also provide you with an idea of your overall financial health. Find where you can cut back The more nonessential expenses you can pause, the more you can save for an emergency. “Your choice is really to cut now or cut later, so it's easier to cut now and have a cushion,” Watson said. If you're having difficulty finding where to cut back, Jim Weil, managing partner at Private Vista, a financial planning firm, recommends that you divide your expenses into three buckets: needs, wants and wishes. Wishes are larger expenses that can be postponed, such as a vacation to Europe. For the time being, cut back expenses from the wishes section until you feel like your finances are in a good place. Take care of your mental health Between news about tariffs and job losses, you might feel your anxiety rising. So, it's important that you protect your mental health while also caring about your finances, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karma. Sometimes, reading too much news that can affect your finances can become overbearing and create more stress than you need. “It's good practice to stay informed but you don't want to let the news cycle consume you,” Alev said. If you find yourself feeling high levels of stress or anxiety when it comes to your finances, it's best to contact a professional who can assist you, such as a financial therapist. If looking for regular mental health services, most health insurance covers some type of mental health assistance. If you don't have health insurance, you can look for sliding-scale therapists around the country, including through FindTreatment.gov and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America directory. Focus on what you can control Rather than worrying too much on the economics of the entire country, Alev recommends that you focus on the aspects of your personal life that you can control in order to feel more confident in case there is a recession. “Identify any changes that you might need to make to have more of a safety net in place that could give you confidence,” Alev said. Things you can control include budgeting, creating an emergency fund and cutting unnecessary expenses. Create an emergency fund Whether you are worried about your job security or the high prices of goods, it's best that you sit down and reassess your budget to create an emergency fund. An emergency fund can feel unattainable if finances are already difficult, but having even a small amount of cash saved can make the difference, Alev said. Ideally, your emergency fund should amount to three to six months of expenses. Weil recommends you start thinking about any special commitments that you might have in the next year or two, such as college tuition or moving. If you are planning for a large financial commitment in the near future, Weil recommends that you plan to build a larger emergency fund. Do monthly finance check-ins Alev recommends regularly adjusting your budget to keep your financial goals on track. Monthly budget check-ins can help identify when you are overspending or if your needs change. “A budget is only as good as it is to help you actually make decisions, so don't be afraid to update and adapt your budget as the months go by,” Alev said. Choose which type of debt to tackle first Many Americans struggle with debt, whether it's credit card debt or student loan debt, which limits their ability to save. But, if you want to create an emergency fund while also tackling your debt, it will take some prioritization. “I would think about different kinds of debt differently," Weil said, adding that you can place debt in three buckets: short-, medium- and long-term debt. Weil recommends that you prioritize paying off high-interest debt such as your credit card. By making extra payments or paying over the minimum payment, you will be able to pay it off quicker. Student loan debt and long-term debt such as a mortgage can be tackled with more modest payments while you focus on creating an emergency fund. If you have credit card debt and you can't make too much progress in paying it down, Alev recommends you try to eliminate or reduce the amount of credit you use. Don't panic about your investments While the stock market has had some bad days, it's best that you are not reactive to the market. If you have investments, especially in retirement vehicles such as your 401(k), it's best not to make rushed decisions, Alev said. “You really want to try not to panic. It can be unnerving but most likely, you should have time to make that up,” she added. If you're closer to retirement, Alev recommends that you look into more conservative investments.

After spending six months aboard China’s space station, three Chinese astronauts safely returned to Earth on Wednesday. Their landing capsule made a gradual descent using a red-and-white parachute and touched down in Dongfeng, located in northern Inner Mongolia near the Gobi Desert. The return was postponed by a day due to poor weather conditions, including strong winds and limited visibility, which are common during the spring sandstorm season in the region. Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze had been stationed at the Tiangong space station since their launch in October. On Tuesday, they officially handed over operations of the station to a newly arrived crew. Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX's Starlinks The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, which delivered the new crew, also brought scientific equipment for research in space life sciences, microgravity physics, and technological advancements for the space station. Tiangong, meaning “Heavenly Palace,” represents China’s growing role in global space exploration. Constructed entirely by China following its exclusion from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns, the station enables long-term scientific research in orbit. Operated by the People’s Liberation Army, the Chinese space program continues to expand. During their mission, the astronauts contributed to the station's development and research activities. Notably, Cai and Song completed a record-setting nine-hour spacewalk, according to China's space agency. China’s ambitions in space are rapidly advancing. The country has already deployed a rover on Mars and landed a probe on the moon's far side. It plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2030.  

Feeling groggy in the morning or drained after lunch? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with dips in energy throughout the day, but one of the best ways to combat this is by making smart food choices. Rather than relying on coffee or energy drinks to get through the day, focus on incorporating wholesome, energy-boosting foods into your meals—even if you haven’t had a full night’s sleep. Here are seven powerhouse foods that can help you stay alert and energized:   Bananas Bananas are a quick and easy snack packed with fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamins, all of which can help reduce fatigue, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nuts Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts provide lasting energy and help sustain your stamina throughout the day. Oats A fiber-rich grain with a bit of protein, oats are a great way to start your morning. They support steady blood sugar levels and help fend off tiredness. Lean Proteins Lean protein sources such as eggs, chicken, turkey, tofu, legumes, fatty fish, and soy products help fight fatigue by supporting muscle health, aiding digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes, and keeping you fuller longer. Whole Grains Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal are fiber-rich and promote digestion and satiety, making them perfect for sustaining energy through the day. Caffeine-Free Drinks Though it’s tempting to reach for coffee when you're sluggish, caffeine can lead to crashes, headaches, and sleep issues. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, or decaffeinated drinks for better hydration and longer-lasting energy. Fruits and Vegetables Packed with vitamins and minerals, fresh seasonal fruits and veggies are essential for keeping your energy levels up. According to the CDC, consuming around 400 grams daily can help reduce fatigue. Next time you feel your energy dipping, try one of these foods to stay refreshed and focused.   Source: NDTV

Witje, a 4-month-old gray seal, glides effortlessly through his new habitat, occasionally stopping to look through a viewing window at onlookers. Orphaned and brought in with a swollen flipper and eye injury, he now lives at the newly opened World Heritage Center (WEC) in Lauwersoog, a seal rescue and rehabilitation facility in northern Netherlands. The WEC replaces the long-established Pieterburen Seal Center, which opened in 1971. The new facility, built at a cost of over €40 million (around $45 million), is better equipped and located closer to the Wadden Sea — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which provides a more natural environment for the seals. Curator Sander van Dijk says the center treats around 200 seals each year, many of them orphaned pups or animals injured by human activity, such as entanglement in fishing nets or boat collisions. “We’ve seen a steady increase in seals caught in marine debris over the past 15 years,” he noted. Witje now swims in seawater, rather than tap water, to better mimic his natural habitat and aid healing, as saltwater helps wounds close more quickly. The WEC can care for about 70 seals at once and includes 12 intensive-care units for severely injured animals. These specialized enclosures limit swimming to help seals rest and reduce the risk of infection through frequent cleaning. The facility is not just a rescue center — it also serves as an educational hub. Visitors can learn about the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest uninterrupted tidal flat system, which spans the coastlines of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Currently home to 10 seals, the WEC offers panoramic views of the sea. Staff hope Witje will soon be healthy enough to return to the wild.

In 2024, more Chinese adults turned to digital formats for reading, with a noticeable rise in the use of mobile phones and audio platforms, according to a national survey on reading habits. The survey, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, was presented at the Fourth National Conference on Reading in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. Findings show that 78.7% of adults read digital content on their phones, and 38.5% listened to audiobooks — both figures representing year-on-year increases. In 2023, on average, adults in China read 4.79 physical books and 3.5 e-books, with both numbers rising compared to the previous year. Sun Shoushan, head of the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, noted that advancements in digital technology and supportive policies have fueled growth in both the scale and reach of digital reading in the country. He added that digital reading has become a regular part of daily life in China, evolving from a niche activity into a widespread habit, with a diverse reading ecosystem now catering to all age groups and settings. Another report from the conference revealed that digital reading users in China reached 670 million in 2024, a 17.52% increase from the previous year. China's digital reading market also saw strong financial growth, with revenue reaching 66.14 billion yuan (approximately 9 billion USD), up 16.65% compared to 2023.

'Paal: Moving through Memories, Myths, and Motion', a unique exhibition reflecting the vibrant journey of the ‘Gangaburi’ River Heritage Project, began on Friday at Brihatta Art Space in Hazaribagh in the capital. Developed under the artistic direction of acclaimed artist Bishwajit Goswami, the exhibition features three large sails symbolising Land (Bhumi), Water (Jol), and Air (Paban). Created through collaborations with artists and communities centring the Buriganga River, the sails incorporate natural materials, folk poetry, and traditional crafts, presenting a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of people, nature, and time. The inaugural ceremony on Friday was joined by eminent personalities, including Ekushey Padak-winning art maestro Farida Zaman; Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Country Director Frank Werner; urban traditional artists and rickshaw painters Md Hanif Pappu and Syed Ahmed Hossain; BTV journalist and researcher Imran Uz-Zaman; Brihatta Art Foundation co-founder Nusrat Mahmud; officials from various embassies; students from different institutions and art enthusiasts from different walks of life. Speaking at the event, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Country Director Frank Werner said, "The project belongs to the community, the artists, and the audience. Under the umbrella of EUNIC (European Union National Institutes of Culture), we supported the initiative, but this is truly your project; and by putting the exhibition on a boat and bringing it to the community, the project changed the conventional concept of accessing culture." He further mentioned that the book accompanying the project is not merely a catalogue but a piece of art-based research that documents the entire journey. Artistic director Bishwajit Goswami explained, "Art is fluid, like a river. If you try to stop a river, you destroy its nature. Through this work, we are exploring how collaboration and collective efforts can foster learning and growth. This is just the beginning—the project and its ideas will continue to evolve." Art maestro Farida Zaman praised the artistic collaboration and officially inaugurated the exhibition. The Gangaburi project’s selected artists for 2023 included Ahmed Rasel, Aminul Islam Ashik, Anannya Mehpar Azad, Kazi Sydul Karim Tuso, Md Khairul Alam (Shada), Nur A Alaa Siddique, and Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury.