United News of Bangladesh

Popular tattoo artist Song Jaemin is booked weeks in advance and admired by clients from around the world. Yet each tattoo he inks is technically illegal, as South Korea only permits licensed doctors to perform the practice. That could soon change. The National Assembly is expected to pass the Tattooist Act, a landmark bill that would allow non-medical professionals to legally give tattoos. “I started this knowing it was illegal, but I believed the law would change one day,” said Song, 28, at his studio near Seoul. “Many tattooists feel we’re not doing anything wrong — it’s just that there’s no law for us.” For years, tens of thousands of tattoo artists have campaigned through rallies, court appeals, and petitions to overturn the decades-old ban. Their movement has gained momentum as public attitudes toward tattoos have shifted from taboo to mainstream, with K-pop stars like BTS’s Jungkook, TWICE’s Chaeyoung, and BigBang’s G-Dragon openly sporting ink. Experts estimate millions of South Koreans now have tattoos, with around 70% opting for semi-permanent cosmetic designs on eyebrows, eyelids, lips, or scalps. Yet, under a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, tattooing remains classified as a medical procedure, and artists face up to five years in prison or fines of 50 million won ($35,740). Pamela Anderson embraces makeup-free look, inspires women to follow Although enforcement is lax, many tattooists work discreetly, fearing reports to authorities or harassment. Some have gone abroad, while others run studios without signs. “I was truly terrified when someone close to me threatened to report my business,” said Kim Sho-yun, 45, who runs a cosmetic tattoo shop. The Tattooist Act, if passed, would introduce an official licensing system and require annual hygiene training for practitioners. While some artists worry about government oversight, many say it would bring long-sought legitimacy. The bill has bipartisan support and backing from the Health Ministry, with doctors’ opposition waning. It has cleared parliamentary committees and could pass in a plenary session as early as Thursday. A two-year grace period would follow before it takes effect. For many tattooists, the law would bring relief. “I think I’ll cry if it passes,” said Kim. “It would lift a heavy burden off my shoulders.” Day and night share equal time as fall equinox arrives Monday Song, who has won national awards, said his work often carries deep meaning. Recent designs include portraits of loved ones and religious imagery. “There are no limits in tattoos,” he said. “Whatever you draw on paper or walls, we can put on the human body.” Clients like Lee Byong-joo, 37, see tattoos as lifelong art. “I feel good having pictures I love on my body forever,” he said, while showing his new Jesus Christ tattoo. “But my wife told me this will be my last one.” Source: Agency 

Pamela Anderson says she has nothing against makeup. But having worn plenty of it in her younger days, the 58-year-old actress now feels more comfortable attending fashion shows and film premieres with a bare face. Her fresh-faced appearance has sparked conversations, particularly among older women, about whether to continue chasing youth with full makeup or to embrace natural skin. “I’m not trying to be the prettiest girl in the room,” Anderson told Vogue before a Paris Fashion Week show. “I feel like it’s just freedom. It’s like a relief.” Since the pandemic, many women say they have also grown more comfortable going makeup free at work. Some have found it easier, cheaper and more liberating, while style experts point to ways of enhancing a natural look. Makeup artist Rebecca Robles suggests focusing on hydration with a five-step routine — gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer with SPF, a separate sunscreen and a glossy lip balm. For a subtle lift, she recommends using a lash curler and brushing brows neatly into place. Personal stylist Natalie Tincher noted that celebrities like Anderson and Alicia Keys have inspired women to explore alternatives. She advises clients who go makeup free to rely on colorful clothing, experiment with textures, and accessorize thoughtfully to maintain a polished appearance. For some women, the shift has been long in the making. Colleen Gehoski Steinman, 59, from Michigan, gave up hair dye and makeup during the pandemic, saying, “This is who we really are, and you can be beautiful just as you are.” Others, like 57-year-old Cate Chapman from South Carolina, abandoned makeup decades ago due to cost and time pressures. “If you enjoy it, do it,” she said. “But if you feel like a slave to it, let it go.” Still, challenges remain in workplaces that expect a polished appearance. Deborah Borg, a senior executive at a global firm, acknowledged that women face “politics” around looking presentable, even in creative industries. For Anderson, however, the choice is clear — makeup is no longer a necessity but a freedom she embraces with confidence.  

Poet Rezauddin Stalin has been appointed as the new Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Sunday. The appointment comes just a week after an office order had temporarily assigned the role to Abul Foyez Md Alauddin Khan, additional secretary (administration) at the ministry, in addition to his existing duties. The position has seen multiple changes in the past year following the resignation of longtime DG Liaquat Ali Lucky in August 2024 after the fall of the Awami League government during the student-led uprising. In September last year, theatre director and researcher Syed Jamil Ahmed was appointed DG for two years, but he stepped down in February 2025. Since March, BSA Secretary Mohammad Wares Hossain had been serving as acting DG. Alongside Stalin’s appointment, the government named four new directors in different departments of the academy: filmmaker Shaheen Dil-Riaz (Training Department), media and branding specialist Daniel Afzalur Rahman (Production Department), art researcher Salma Jamal Mausum (Research and Publication Department), and theatre personality Deepak Kumar Goswami (Drama and Film Department). The Cultural Affairs Ministry said the academy will be restructured under the new leadership to align with modern needs. Key priorities include nurturing local talents through online and offline training, adopting new strategies with national and international experts and institutions, presenting Bangladesh’s cultural heritage on the global stage, and celebrating cultural icons and milestones both nationally and internationally. Turn houseplants into living art with Japanese kokedama

Day and night will share almost equal hours on Monday as much of the world enters the fall season, marking the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. At the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon, while both the north and south poles will be illuminated simultaneously — a phenomenon that occurs only during equinoxes. In the Northern Hemisphere, daylight will gradually shorten each day until the winter solstice on December 21. Equinoxes have been observed and celebrated for centuries, often tied to harvest festivals. For instance, in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe, the fall harvest festival Dozynki traces its origins to the equinox. At Mexico’s Mayan site Chichen Itza, people gather during the equinox to witness the sun casting a shadow resembling a descending serpent on the El Castillo pyramid. This year, residents of Antarctica, New Zealand, and parts of Australia may also witness a partial lunar eclipse on Monday, adding a rare astronomical bonus to the equinox. Understanding the equinox The equinox occurs as the Earth orbits the sun at a tilt. For most of the year, the planet’s axis leans toward or away from the sun, causing unequal sunlight across the hemispheres. During the equinox, however, the Earth’s tilt aligns with its orbit, giving both hemispheres nearly equal sunlight. The term equinox comes from Latin, meaning “equal night,” as day and night last almost the same length, though minor differences can occur depending on location. The Northern Hemisphere’s fall equinox generally falls between September 21 and 24, while the spring equinox occurs between March 19 and 21. What is a solstice? Solstices mark times when the Earth reaches its maximum tilt toward or away from the sun, resulting in the greatest difference between day and night. During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night, typically between June 20 and 22. The winter solstice, between December 20 and 23, occurs when the hemisphere tilts away from the sun, giving the shortest day and longest night. Meteorological vs. astronomical seasons While astronomical seasons are based on the Earth’s position in its orbit, meteorological seasons follow the annual temperature cycle. According to meteorologists, spring begins on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on September 1, and winter on December 1.

Beyond the hum-drum of hectic cities, Bangladesh is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that conserve endangered species, maintain ecological balance, and offer natural habitats for wildlife and migratory birds. The Habiganj district, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural greenery, featuring lush forests, tea gardens, hills, and wildlife. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1982 in Habiganj and was enlarged in 1996. Besides abounding in many rare plants and animal species, its scenic landscapes provide fresh air, biodiversity, and a peaceful environment for visitors and locals. Here is a detailed travel guide to Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary.  Location The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Chunarughat Upazila of Habiganj District in the Sylhet Division. It lies next to India's Tripura border and close to Srimangal in the Moulvibazar district. Approximately 130 km northeast of Dhaka, the city, lies the wildlife reserve. It includes the Kalenga, Rema, Chanbari, and Rashidpur portions of the Habiganj District's Kalenga Forest Range. Significance The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest and wildlife reserve in Bangladesh. It is a dry and evergreen forest, and after the Sundarbans, it is the largest natural forest in Bangladesh. It is also the country’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity. The sanctuary covers an area of 1,795.54 hectares. Among the few natural forests in Bangladesh that have survived in relatively good condition, Rema–Kalenga is one of the most notable. Read more: International Air Flights with Connecting Flights: Beginner’s Guide for Transfer-transit Passengers Among Bangladesh's natural forests, this sanctuary is still in good condition. However, the refuge is threatened by deforestation and careless tree theft. Flora The sanctuary is home to 638 species of plants, trees, and vines. Some of the most notable among them include Awal, Teak, Kakra, Neur, Hargaza, Gandharoi, Haritaki, Bohera, Jamun, Fig, Jackfruit, Champa Jackfruit, Kau, Kadam, Rata, Chikrashi, Chapalish, Neem, Bonmala, etc.

Indonesia has rolled out an attractive permanent residency programme, offering long-term stay opportunities for foreigners, including Indians, at a cost starting from under Rs 59,000. The residency permit, officially called ITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) or KITAP, allows foreign nationals to live, work and invest in the country with greater stability than short-term visas. Each KITAP is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely. According to Indonesian authorities, applicants must first hold a temporary residency permit (ITAS/KITAS) for five years before becoming eligible for ITAP. However, faster tracks are available through investment, marriage to an Indonesian citizen, or exceptional skills in fields such as science, sports or the arts. Residency vs citizenshipWhile permanent residency provides rights such as legal employment, access to banking, healthcare, and ease of travel in and out of Indonesia, citizenship offers additional political privileges, including voting rights and eligibility for public office. Costs involvedThe government application fee for ITAP ranges between Rs 58,000 and Rs 65,000 (IDR 10–12 million), depending on the category of application. Renewals, required every five years, cost between Rs 27,000 and Rs 33,000 (IDR 5–6 million). Additional charges may apply for applications through investment, marriage or work sponsorship, along with documentation and consultant fees. Benefits of Indonesian PR ·         Exemption from repeated visa applications ·         Easier entry and exit from Indonesia ·         Eligibility to open local bank accounts and obtain a driving licence ·         Access to employment with valid work permits ·         Stronger integration into Indonesia’s financial and social systems Application routesPermanent residency can be secured through: ·         Status transfer from ITAS after five years of residence ·         Marriage to an Indonesian citizen (eligibility after two years) ·         Investment visas (residency in three years with qualifying investment) ·         Exceptional talent or highly skilled worker visas ·         Humanitarian grounds in rare cases For renewal, applicants must apply at least 60 days before expiry, submit necessary documents including passports and residence proof, pay fees online, and complete an interview and fingerprinting process before collecting the new ITAP card. With its blend of affordable costs, business opportunities and cultural vibrancy, Indonesia’s permanent residency programme is being seen as a promising option for Indians seeking a stable long-term base in Southeast Asia.  

San Francisco’s City Hall, with its grand marble staircase, elegant balconies, and natural light pouring through massive art deco windows, is now a dream spot for quinceañera photos. “In 80 years, I found no day of sorrow:” Enam Ul Haque celebrated with tributes at Cosmos Centre The Beaux-Arts landmark has always been a popular wedding venue. But with the rise of social media, it has also become a must-visit backdrop for girls across Northern California preparing for their quinceañera — the traditional coming-of-age celebration in Latino culture marking a girl’s 15th birthday. Source: Agency 

Critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoos found an unexpected sanctuary among Hong Kong ’s towering skyscrapers, but like their human neighbors they now face trouble finding a place to call home. Native to Indonesia and East Timor, the snow-white birds, their crests flashing like yellow crowns, squawk through the urban parks of the Asian financial hub. They make up roughly 10% of the species' global wild population, which numbers only up to 2,000 mature birds. Research shows the city’s cockatoo population has stagnated as the birds, which live in tree cavities, are losing natural nesting spaces in old trees due to typhoons and government tree trimming for public safety. That's adding to global pressures on cockatoos such as the illegal pet trade and climate change. Hong Kong's conservationists have stepped in with a solution: installing artificial nest boxes that mimic these natural hollows. Astrid Andersson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong who led the project, said a pair of birds already settled in a nest box her team fixed onto a tree on her campus, the city’s oldest university. She aims to install 10 boxes by year's end and ultimately boost that figure to 50 in the next few years across Hong Kong Island. “And then they can continue to live in the city,” she said. Pet trade and habitat loss push species in Indonesia to the brinkOnce widespread across island chains from central to eastern Indonesia and East Timor, the yellow-crested cockatoo has vanished from many islands and clings to survival on others. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says as much as 90% of the population is thought to have disappeared since 1978, mainly due to trapping for the pet trade. Weak enforcement of a 1994 export ban by Indonesia has allowed the trade to persist, including targeting chicks. In 2015, Indonesian police arrested a man on suspicion of smuggling about 20 birds by stuffing them inside water bottles. Deforestation from farming and logging is another problem. Indonesia lost 107,000 square kilometers (41,300 square miles) of its original tropical rainforest between 2002 and 2024 — an area about the size of Iceland — accounting for about a third of all tree cover loss during that time, according to Global Forest Watch. Climate change is making things worse. Rising temperatures dry out forests, leaving them more vulnerable to fires. Many birds live on volcanic islands, where eruptions can spark wildfires in the parched landscapes. “The fires are humongous,” said Bonnie Zimmermann, director of the Indonesian Parrot Project, a nonprofit organization. Hong Kong bird market sales raise concerns The wild cockatoos in Hong Kong’s urban parks could be from escaped or released pets, Andersson said. One urban legend says they descended from pet birds released by a British governor before he surrendered to invading Japanese troops in 1941. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese control in 1997.

The troubling surge of the free-living microbe infamously called the brain-eating amoeba is casting a shadow of deadly threat across Kerala in India. Once spotted mainly in a few districts such as Kozhikode and Malappuram, infections are now surfacing more widely. The organism heightens concern among doctors and health officials. Its characteristics, equal parts scientific fact and public dread, stem from the severe infection it can trigger once it reaches the brain. Let’s take a closer look at how this elusive brain-eating amoeba spreads and outline the key causes, symptoms, and treatments. What is Brain-eating Amoeba: How It Spreads A rare but devastating brain infection, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by ‘Naegleria fowleri’ – a tiny organism more chillingly nicknamed the ‘brain-eating amoeba’. Though infrequent, it strikes with alarming severity, targeting the central nervous system and rapidly destroying delicate brain tissue. Victims often experience sudden swelling of the brain, and in most cases, the illness proves fatal. This amoeba thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater such as ponds, lakes, or poorly maintained pools. It typically invades the body through the nose, passing along the olfactory nerves and through the cribriform plate before advancing toward the brain tissue. Importantly, swallowing contaminated water does not lead to illness. Those swimming, diving, or bathing in untreated water are most at risk – yet the infection cannot spread between people. Read more: First Aid Tips for Snake Bite: On-field Do’s and Don’ts for Emergency Response The Alarming Prevalence So far this year, more than 70 people have fallen ill, with 61 confirmed cases of PAM and 19 deaths recorded in Kerala – several of them in just the past few weeks. The age range of patients has been strikingly broad, from a tiny three-month-old infant to a man in his nineties. In late August, a three-month-old baby and a 52-year-old woman in Kozhikode succumbed to the infection, only weeks after a nine-year-old girl’s death earlier that month. State hospitals continue to treat several active cases, stretching from small children to older adults. Root Causes of the Infection Rising global temperatures are quietly shaping the conditions in which ‘Naegleria fowleri’ thrives. As climate change warms lakes, ponds, and other freshwater bodies, the amoeba gains a wider window to multiply. The sweltering heat also drives more people to seek relief in natural water sources, unwittingly increasing the likelihood of contact. Read more: How to Stay Safe from Devil's Breath Moreover, PAM is far more common during hot months, particularly when people swim, dive, or bath in warm, often stagnant freshwater.

Feeling like an impostor at work—doubting your abilities despite a strong track record—is common, especially among women and marginalized groups. Negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m failing” can create a cycle of self-doubt that’s hard to break. Experts say cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help by identifying harmful internal monologues and replacing them with neutral or positive perspectives. “We help people evaluate these thoughts and see how accurate they are,” said Judith Beck, president of the Beck Institute for CBT. Randolph Public Schools, near Boston, recently held a seminar teaching students to reframe negative feelings using CBT. Staff, including assistant principal Christin Brink, found the techniques valuable for themselves, too. Turn houseplants into living art with Japanese kokedama Therapists advise examining recurring negative thoughts and asking: “Is this really true?” or “What evidence supports this?” Challenging assumptions like “I’m not good enough” and identifying personal strengths can reduce impostor feelings. Creative exercises, such as rewriting or visualizing negative thoughts differently, can also help. Over time, replacing self-critical thoughts with specific positive mantras—like “I made good choices today” or “I’ll try again tomorrow”—can build confidence and reduce anxiety, allowing professionals to focus on their work and ideas. Source: Agency