United News of Bangladesh

Sally Kirkland, the veteran American actor and model best known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1987 film Anna and roles alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting, has died at the age of 84. Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed that Kirkland passed away Tuesday morning at a hospice in Palm Springs, California. Earlier this year, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her medical expenses after she suffered multiple fractures — including four neck bones, her right wrist, and left hip — and later developed infections requiring hospital care and rehabilitation. Kirkland’s career spanned more than six decades across stage, film, and television. Her film credits include The Way We Were with Barbra Streisand, Revenge with Kevin Costner, EDtv directed by Ron Howard, Oliver Stone’s JFK, Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey, and The Haunted, a 1991 television movie. She also had a cameo in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. Her defining role came in Anna, where she portrayed a fading Czech actress rebuilding her life in the United States. The performance won her a Golden Globe and earned her an Academy Award nomination alongside Cher, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, and Meryl Streep. Born in New York City, Kirkland was the daughter of a Vogue and Life magazine fashion editor. She began modeling at age five before training in acting under Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg. She also appeared in several Shakespeare productions and Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful Women in 1964. Beyond acting, Kirkland was deeply involved in humanitarian work, volunteering for AIDS, cancer, and heart disease patients, feeding the homeless through the Red Cross, and advocating for young prisoners. Source: AP 

Speakers on Tuesday said ensuring the availability of vitamin-fortified and safe edible oil is now a pressing need to nurture a healthy and productive generation. The speakers said this at a workshop for journalists titled ‘Vitamin-Fortified Safe Edible Oil for All: Progress, Challenges, and Way Forward’, at the BMA Bhaban in Dhaka. The workshop was organised by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, with participation from 23 journalists from print, television, and online media. They said the sale of edible oil in open drums violates government regulations and poses risks to public health. Although Vitamin ‘A’ Enrichment in Edible Oils Act, 2013 exists, most oils in the market does not contain any vitamins or contain less than the mandated amount, they said. A study by ICDDR, B found that 65% of edible oil in the market is sold in drums, of which 59% does not contain any vitamin A, and only 7% meet the legal standard for vitamin content. The speakers said these non-food grade, hazardous drums are often used previously to store chemicals, engine oil, or industrial products. These drums also do not provide information about the oil’s source or quality, allowing adulterated or substandard oils to enter the market easily. T They called for strengthened coordinated monitoring by the Ministry of Industries, BSTI, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and the Food Safety Authority to ensure safe, vitamin-fortified edible oil. The speakers also pointed out that vitamin A deficiency rises the risk of childhood blindness and maternal mortality, while vitamin D deficiency is associated with greater risk of rickets, loss of bone density, cardiovascular disease, and various non-communicable diseases. Fakir Muhammad Munawar Hossain, Former Director (Deputy Secretary), Operations and Laboratories Department, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection (DNCRP); Mustak Hassan Md. Iftekhar, Consultant, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute; Dr. Ashek Mahfuz, Portfolio Lead for Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) and Value Chain, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), among others, were present. The key presentations were delivered by Dr. Aliva Haque, Program Officer and Md. Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programs, PROGGA.

Many people believe that losing weight means giving up their favourite foods, eating only bland meals, or starving themselves. But experts say that’s far from the truth. Nutritionist and weight-loss coach Mohita Mascarenhas says you can enjoy biryani guilt-free—even while trying to lose weight. “You just need to cook it the right way and watch your portions,” she explained. A healthier take on biryani According to Mohita, the traditional biryani recipe—made with equal portions of rice and meat and plenty of ghee—contains too much fat and carbs but not enough protein. Her “fat-loss biryani” focuses on lean protein, measured rice, aromatic spices, and minimal ghee. “It’s full of flavour, not guilt,” she said. “I believe in building a body you love without hating your food.” How to make fat-loss biryani Here are the two key tweaks she suggests: 1. Adjust the meat-to-rice ratio: For every 200 grams of rice, use 400 grams of boneless chicken marinated in Greek yoghurt and spices. Soak the rice and refrigerate the marinated chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. 2. Skip deep-frying: Instead of deep-frying onions, sauté or air-fry 100 grams of finely chopped onions using just one teaspoon of ghee. When plating, Mohita recommends pairing the biryani with 300 grams of raita made from low-fat Greek yoghurt and chopped vegetables. Portion control is key The recipe serves four people, and one portion amounts to roughly 400 calories with 30 grams of protein. Mohita says that once you try this version, you’ll realise healthy food doesn’t have to be dull. “With a few smart changes, even your favourite biryani can be part of your fitness journey,” she added. With inputs from NDTV

Nearly 80 percent of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifications and controlling high blood pressure, quitting smoking, avoiding unhealthy diets and staying physically active, said experts. The experts said this at the International Stroke Conference 2025 held on Sunday at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), marking a significant milestone in advancing stroke awareness, prevention and treatment. They urged community-level interventions and called for integrating stroke education into schools, workplaces, and even urban planning. Speakers said that a new era for acute stroke care and the development of next-generation neurointervention services conference can raise public awareness, enhance prevention and ensure modern stroke treatment in Bangladesh. With the theme of “Transformation of Acute Stroke Care and Development of Next Generation Neurointervention Services in BMU,” the scientific session highlighted innovative approaches to emergency stroke treatment and advanced neurointervention technologies. Experts emphasised that stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Bangladesh — yet most cases are preventable. Organised by BMU’s Department of Neurology, the event took place at Shaheed Dr. Milon Hall. BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam attended the programme as the chief guest while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad presided over the session. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam said the International Stroke Conference would open a new horizon in stroke management. “With the support of foreign experts, BMU aims to ensure state-of-the-art stroke treatment facilities in Bangladesh. Their participation today reflects a strong commitment to advancing modern neurological care in our country,” he said. Other speakers highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, prevention strategies, and the need for integrated stroke management. Experts said despite progress in medical science, public knowledge about stroke remains alarmingly low. Millions in Bangladesh still fail to recognise early symptoms, leading to treatment delays and preventable deaths, they said. Recognising some early signs including face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty can save both life and brain, they said. Speakers later emphasised the need to align Bangladesh’s stroke management guidelines with international standards, expand data sharing, and strengthen global training programs. Sustainable progress in stroke prevention and care is impossible without global collaboration, they said.

When Zohran Mamdani launched his groundbreaking bid for New York City mayor, his campaign visuals — bright blue signs with bold orange lettering — quickly became one of the race’s most talked-about features. From Queens to the Bronx, the “Zohran for New York City” signs stood out from traditional red, white, and blue campaign designs. While many saw the color scheme as a nod to Bollywood posters and Mamdani’s Indian roots, designer Aneesh Bhoopathy said the inspiration came from something much closer to home — the colorful visual language of New York’s bodegas, yellow cabs, and hot dog stands. “The design was meant to feel like New York itself — energetic, diverse, and alive,” said Bhoopathy, a Philadelphia-based designer who had previously worked with Mamdani and the Queens chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. A bold, nostalgic look that resonated The campaign’s bold colors and vintage font — echoing hand-painted signs and comic book covers — offered a striking contrast to more conventional political branding. The look even influenced Mamdani’s main rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who later switched to a blue-and-orange color palette featuring the Statue of Liberty’s crown — also the colors of the Knicks and Mets — after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Mamdani, soon to become New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, is the son of Columbia University scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, best known for Monsoon Wedding. Design experts said the campaign’s aesthetic did more than just look good — it told a story about the city itself. “It reflects the working-class fabric of New York — the bodegas, taxi cabs, and halal carts that sustain it,” said David Schwittek, a digital media professor at Lehman College. Gavan Fitzsimons, a marketing professor at Duke University, said the retro tone likely evoked nostalgia among voters: “It felt like a throwback to a time when politics seemed less divisive and more hopeful.” Some US states introduce gun safety lessons for schoolchildren A new visual language for progressive politics Analysts also drew parallels to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 campaign, which used bright colors and upward-slanting lettering inspired by labor movement posters and Mexican Lucha libre flyers. Richard Flanagan, a political science professor at the College of Staten Island, said both campaigns used design to connect heritage, community, and movement politics. While experts say it’s too early to tell whether Mamdani’s visuals will reshape campaign aesthetics nationally, his team’s work has already sparked copycat designs and viral fan-made merchandise — including the “Hot Girls for Zohran” line worn by model Emily Ratajkowski. “The playfulness of his branding made people want to be part of it,” said NYU marketing professor Court Stroud. “It turned campaign design into a shared identity.” Design with meaning Media scholar Lisa Burns of Quinnipiac University noted that most candidates still rely on the “safe” red, white, and blue palette — but Mamdani’s success may inspire more risk-taking. “In a sea of sanitized political messaging, Mamdani’s visuals stand out because they mean something,” said Schwittek. “They reflect who he is and where he comes from.” Designer Bhoopathy agreed, saying the campaign’s energy matched the candidate’s own Source: AP 

Students in some U.S. states are now being taught what to do if they come across a firearm, as new laws make gun safety lessons mandatory in public schools. Arkansas, Tennessee, and Utah have enacted laws requiring schools to include firearm safety education for children as young as five. The lessons cover the basics of gun safety and proper storage, though only Utah allows parents to opt their children out. In Tennessee, the curriculum features games, quizzes, and videos with colorful illustrations to help keep students engaged. The lessons teach a simple message: “Stop, don’t touch, leave quickly, tell an adult.” Supporters, including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, say the courses can prevent accidental shootings and encourage families to store guns safely. “It’s about education and prevention, not politics,” said spokesperson Emily Buck. The classes are designed to be neutral, avoiding debate over gun ownership or rights. In Arkansas, parents can also opt for off-campus courses that include live firearm demonstrations. Gun violence remains a leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proponents argue that early education could save lives, while critics — including gun control advocates — say the focus should be on laws that hold adults accountable for unsafe storage. Schools have flexibility in how to teach the lessons, whether through teachers or visiting law enforcement officers. Principals like Clint Davis of Berclair Elementary in Memphis say the initiative addresses a longstanding problem: “Kids getting hurt by guns isn’t new. We’re just now taking a more proactive approach.”

Traveling across the ocean doesn’t get much smoother — or more stylish — than catching a ride on a whale, at least if you’re a remora. Marine researchers studying humpback whales off Australia have filmed remarkable footage of these so-called sucker fish clinging to their massive hosts, peeling away just before the whales breach, and then expertly reattaching as the animals crash back into the sea. The precision is astonishing — like synchronized swimmers or Olympic gymnasts sticking a landing. Remoras, or Remora australis, spend nearly their entire lives attached to whales or other large sea creatures. Using a suction-like disc on their heads, they create a vacuum seal that allows them to hang on tightly while feeding on scraps of skin and parasites — a convenient arrangement for both species. Whale Cameras Reveal Ocean Hitchhikers The extraordinary scenes were recorded unintentionally by Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist from Griffith University’s Whales and Climate Research Program. Meynecke had attached suction-cup cameras to humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to Australia’s Queensland coast. Instead of just whale behavior, his footage showed entire schools of remoras — sometimes 50 or more — jockeying for position on the same patch of skin where the cameras were mounted. “Whenever the whales breached or made sudden moves, the sucker fish reacted almost instantly,” Meynecke said. “They seemed to know exactly when to let go before the whale hit the surface, and then reattached within seconds once it was back underwater.” A Sticky but Strained Relationship While remoras are harmless and even help whales by eating parasites, Meynecke believes some whales find their clingy companions irritating. “In some cases, we saw whales with lots of remoras repeatedly breaching, even when no other whales were nearby,” he said. “It looked like they were trying to shake them off — almost checking afterward to see if they had fewer attached.” The Mystery of the Journey Each year, about 40,000 humpbacks travel along Australia’s so-called “humpback highway,” migrating between Antarctica and Queensland — a round trip of roughly 10,000 kilometers (6,000 miles). But how long their remora passengers stay aboard remains unclear. “I suspect most remoras detach at some point in temperate waters,” Meynecke said. “But where do they go after that? Do they find other hosts until the whales return?” When separated from whales, remoras often latch onto other large sea animals — such as manta rays, dolphins, or even scuba divers — much to the divers’ frustration. “They’re not easy to shake off,” Meynecke joked.

What started as a small effort by a few parents to make cycling to school safer has turned into a joyful weekly ritual in Montclair, New Jersey, where more than 350 children and parents now ride together in what’s known as a “bike bus.” On Friday mornings, families gather in a neighborhood shopping area before setting off on a 5-mile group ride to two local elementary schools. Volunteers in bright safety vests help coordinate the route, while cars stop to let the long line of cyclists pass. “It was so fun,” said 7-year-old second grader Gigi Drucker after arriving at Nishuane Elementary School. “The best way to get to school is by bike because it gives you more exercise. It’s healthier for the Earth.” Organizer Jessica Tillyer said the initiative began with just five parents who wanted to ride with their children but felt unsafe cycling alone. “Now, we can have up to 400 people riding together,” she said, adding that the weekly ride builds community and healthy habits. Nutritionist warns: 5 protein-rich foods that may actually cause weight gain The “bike bus” trend is spreading worldwide, with more than 400 similar routes across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia, according to the nonprofit Bike Bus World. Co-founder Sam Balto, who started one in Portland, Oregon, said families are drawn to “something super joyful and community-driven” instead of long car lines. The Montclair group maintains enthusiasm through themed rides, social media coordination, and weather-ready planning. Organizers stress consistency — rain or shine — and encourage others to start small. “Don’t ask for permission. Just get on your bikes and ride,” Tillyer said. “Once people experience it, they’ll want to join.” Source: AP 

High-protein foods are often associated with weight loss, but some popularly marketed protein-rich items may actually contribute to weight gain due to their high fat and carbohydrate content. In an October 23 Instagram post, online nutrition coach Justin Gichaba highlighted five such foods that can add to belly fat instead of supporting fat loss. Peanut butter – Often considered a protein powerhouse, peanut butter is actually high in fat, which significantly increases its calorie content. While it provides some protein, the accompanying fats can outweigh its benefits. Beans – Though beans are thought to be protein-rich, they contain a large amount of carbohydrates alongside their protein, which may hinder weight loss if consumed in excess. Quinoa – Despite being marketed as a high-protein grain, quinoa is primarily composed of carbohydrates. Its protein content is relatively modest and should not be relied on as a main protein source. Nuts – Almonds, cashews, pistachios, and other nuts are packed with fat along with protein. The high fat content limits their effectiveness as a primary protein source. Granola – Even varieties labeled “high protein” are typically rich in carbohydrates and fats, which outweigh the protein content, potentially impacting fat loss goals. Gichaba cautioned, “If you rely on any of these five foods as your main protein source, losing fat will be extremely difficult, and in some cases, you may even gain weight.” Source: NDTV

Saint Martin’s Island is a marvellous blessing of nature on the Bay of Bengal. This heavenly island bestows a cherished retreat for both domestic and foreign visitors drawn to its calm, coral-fringed shores. Despite recent travel restrictions and environmental limitations, tourists still find their way to the country's only coral island. The transport system, however, remains limited; only a few authorised ships operate on fixed schedules. Ticketing and travel pass regulations are now more stringent, with tied permits for visits and overnight stays. Let’s unravel all the necessary details of how tourists can visit Saint Martin in the tourist season (2025–26). Saint Martin Visiting Time This Winter Considering the weather conditions and safety protocols, passenger ships to Saint Martin’s Island are permitted to operate only upon approval from the concerned administration. For the ongoing open season, travel is allowed from November 1, 2025, to January 2026. Read more: Visit Saint Martin, Coral Island, Bangladesh: Piece of Paradise on Bay of Bengal During November, visitors must complete their trips within the same day, as overnight stays are restricted. However, from December through January, night halts are authorised, enabling short-term accommodation under regulated supervision. BIWTA Jetty, Cox's Bazar: The Only Departure for Saint Martin Trip For security and administrative reasons, all authorised tourist vessels to the coral island will operate solely from Cox’s Bazar. The Teknaf and Ukhia Inani routes remain legally prohibited. Only authorised passenger ships are allowed to operate; small boats, trawlers, and speedboats remain strictly prohibited under current regulations. Ships will depart from the Nuniya Chhara BIWTA Ghat between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., their schedules aligned with the low tide. Return journeys from the island are set between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., also based on tidal conditions. Depending on weather and sea currents, the voyage typically takes five to five and a half hours each way. Read more: St Martin’s reopens, but no ships sail as overnight stays banned Visitors may remain on the island without a fixed time limit during December and January, when night stays are allowed.