United News of Bangladesh

Cultural collective Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj on Sunday announced a broad cultural campaign titled ‘36 Days That Shook the Heart: July Uprising and Cultural Constitution’ at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), commemorating the historic July 2024 Uprising and envisioning continued cultural resistance. As part of this initiative, it was announced that a daylong programme will be held on August 2 at the Bangladesh National Museum in the capital. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Conference Room of National Theatre Hall at BSA. The event began with a minute of silence and the national anthem in memory of those martyred in the July Uprising. The keynote was jointly delivered by Akram Khan, Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Fariha Shams Sewti, and Sarkar Protik, while the programme was announced by Zahin Faruq Amin and Dhrubo Hasan; and the event was moderated by Taslima Azmeri Haque Badhon, Tanvir Noor, Shaheen Dill-Riaz, Munem Wasif, Dr Samina Luthfa, Asaduzzaman Asad, Dr Anon Siddika, Musfiqur Rahman Manju, Krishnokoli Islam, Mohammad Ali Haider, and Bithi Ghosh.  ‘July Reawakening’: BSA's drone show, cultural event to mark first anniversary at Shaheed Minar on July 14 Several others including Habibur Rahman, Barkat Hossain Palash, Jagannmoy Pal, Mitu Rahman, Rafi Uddin, and Shadab Shahrokh Hai were present . A short video was presented during the event, which concluded with a Q&A session. The collective quoted Ahmed Sofa’s assertion that “true courage is the ability to envision distant possibilities,” framing it as a call to cultural and political imagination. Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj recounted its emergence during the mass uprising, when artists, performers, and cultural activists gathered to demand democratic reforms.  Their protest, centred at Farmgate and the Shaheed Minar, became a defining moment in Bangladesh’s cultural-political landscape. The movement later contributed to flood relief, reconstruction, and social mobilization. The group placed the July Uprising within the longer arc of Bangladesh’s democratic history—from the 1947 Partition and 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War and the 1990 pro-democracy uprising. They asserted that history must not be confined to the past, but mobilized for democratic transformation in the present and future. One year on, the collective reflected on both progress and unresolved challenges. Though the authoritarian regime fell, fascist systems persist. Speakers raised concerns about delayed justice, unfinished reforms, and a lack of clarity in democratic commitments. The group also addressed what it described as "cultural fascism"—state and social pressures that silence dissenting voices, censor creativity, and demand conformity from the arts. In contrast, they upheld cultural resistance as a way to reimagine democracy and social justice through fearless expression. The series of events will feature theatre, music, live graffiti, poetry, film screenings, and exhibitions of protest art. The day-long events will feature some of initiatives under the ‘36 Days’ campaign, which aims to deepen reflection on the uprising and foster artistic solidarity for a just and inclusive Bangladesh.

In observance of the historic July Mass Uprising, a month-long series of commemorative events titled ‘July Reawakening’ is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. As part of the programme, a special drone show and cultural event will take place on Monday, July 14, at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital with all respected Advisers of the interim government expected to attend. The evening's proceedings will begin at 6pm with a cultural performance titled 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam'. The national anthem will be performed in chorus by vocalists from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the Department of Music. Dhaka University, and popular singer Farzana Wahid Shayan, who will also perform several of her notable songs, including 'Ami-e Bangladesh', 'Joy Banglar', 'Hushiyari', 'Tajjob Bone Jai', 'Amar Naam Palestine', and 'Ami July-er Golpo Bolbo', among others. To mark July Women’s Day, a documentary produced by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be screened, followed by two films: 'Deepak Kumar Goswami Speaking' and 'Bishad Shindhu'. Five individuals who participated in the July movement, along with three family members of martyrs, will later share their memories and reflections. Govt  approves drone shows, ‘July Revival Programmes’ The cultural segment will continue with performances by the band Ila Lalalala, presenting songs such as 'Songoti', 'Ochirjibir Prarthona', 'Bagher Gaan', and 'Neel Nirbasan'. This will be followed by Slogan Girls chanting slogans, and after that, Indigenous band F Minor will take the stage with 'Alo Asbei', 'Mukti', 'Dahuk', and 'Meye'. After another round of slogan chanting by the Slogan Girls, Parsha Mahjabeen will perform 'Cholo Bhule Jai', 'Muktir Mondir', and 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam'. Finally, after one last round of slogans, singer Elita Karim will render patriotic songs including 'Ami Banglay Gaan Gai', 'Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora', 'Palashir Prantor', 'Ghure Darao', and 'Bangladesh'. The evening will culminate with the Drone Show, jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of China. A total of 2,000 drones will take to the skies to visually narrate the story of the July Uprising. The show will recreate the historic moment when, on July 14, female students of Dhaka University emerged like a wave and breathed new life into the movement. The drones will form visuals above the Shaheed Minar to depict these powerful scenes. The drone show will unfold in two parts: the first will trace Bangladesh’s journey leading up to the events of July 2024, while the second will dramatize the mass uprising that began on July 14., in the view of this filmmaker This event is expected to be a powerful tribute to one of the most pivotal chapters in the nation's cultural and political history.

Justin Bieber has officially returned. On Friday, the pop star released Swag, his long-anticipated seventh studio album, marking his first new music since 2021’s Justice — and his first since becoming a father. The 21-track album was teased just hours earlier through cryptic billboards in Reykjavik and Los Angeles, as well as posts on Bieber’s Instagram featuring the full tracklist, including titles like “All I Can Take,” “Walking Away,” “Dadz Love,” and “Forgiveness.” According to Def Jam Recordings, Swag is a reflection of Bieber’s growth as a husband and father, with songs that dive into deeper emotions and present his most introspective work to date. Top Tracks from Bieber’s ‘Swag’ “Daises” – This slow-burning R&B-pop track is a highlight, showcasing Bieber’s signature tender vocals, now layered over a lo-fi guitar. It's intimate, polished, and exactly what longtime fans hope for.“Devotion” ft. Dijon – Rising R&B artist Dijon adds warmth and soul to this romantic tune. Their collaboration is seamless, with Dijon’s textured voice complementing Bieber’s in a song about unwavering love.“Go Baby” – A tribute to his wife Hailey Bieber, the song opens with a line celebrating her beauty and business success, referencing her billion-dollar Rhode skincare brand. It's a sweet and catchy nod to his muse.“Walking Away” – Marriage comes with its challenges, and Bieber addresses that honestly in this heartfelt midtempo track. It’s emotional yet danceable — a perfect “slow dance in the kitchen” song.“All I Can Take” – The opening track nods to Bieber’s early pop roots but with a grown-up twist. It's playful and nostalgic, with a catchy chorus that showcases his smooth vocals and personal evolution.A Look Back at Bieber’s Journey The Canadian superstar and two-time Grammy winner first made waves in the late 2000s with hits like “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Stay.” He became a global teen idol and was discovered as a tween by Usher and talent manager Scooter Braun. In 2023, Bieber sold the rights to his music catalog — including all six of his earlier albums — to U.K.-based music investment firm Hipgnosis. While financial details weren't disclosed, Billboard estimated the deal at around $200 million. In August 2024, Bieber and wife Hailey welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber — a life change that clearly influenced the deeply personal themes of Swag.

The global premiere of the film and exhibition titled ‘Shoot Me, I Bare My Chest – A Counter-Forensic Investigation into the Killing of Abu Sayed’ was held on Friday evening at DrikPath Bhobon in the capital, shedding a new light on Abu Sayed’s killing through a counter-forensic lens. The initiative, spearheaded by Drik Picture Library, Bangladesh, in collaboration with Forensic Architecture in the UK, delves into the killing of Abu Sayed, a student activist of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who died during a protest on July 16, 2024. His death marked a significant moment in the ‘July Uprising’, which eventually led to the fall of the then Sheikh Hasina-led government. Challenging the official narrative that claimed Sayed was killed by protesters using bricks and firearms, the counter-forensic investigation presents an alternate account. Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and IGCC celebrate Ashadhi Purnima Utilising interviews, satellite imagery, photogrammetry, heat maps, and extensive photographic and video evidence, the findings suggest police responsibility and excessive use of force against demonstrators. The event was moderated by eminent photographer and activist Dr Shahidul Alam, also Managing Director of Drik. Speakers included Jumanah Bawazir, Advanced Researcher at Forensic Architecture; Tasneem Khalil, Editor-in-Chief of Netra News; Nicholas Alistair Masterton, Technology Researcher at Forensic Architecture; Goljar Rahman Ador, photojournalist at daily Kaler Kantho in Rangpur; Asaduzzaman Arman, staff cameraman at NTV, Rangpur; Tawhidul Haque Siam, a student and university correspondent from Begum Rokeya University; and Parvez Ahmad Rony, Network Coordinator and Photojournalist at Drik. Curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, the exhibition presents a compelling narrative that not only highlights inconsistencies in official accounts but also raises urgent questions about accountability, justice, and state violence. The exhibition and film will remain open to the public until July 26, every day from 3 pm to 8 pm on Level 2 of DrikPath Bhobon.

Global star Priyanka Chopra recently shut down critics in her signature Desi Girl style after facing backlash for choosing a hot dog over vada pav during a light-hearted Q&A session. While promoting her upcoming film Heads of State, Priyanka played a street food preference game with an American journalist. Her choices were balanced at first — she said it “depends on the mood” when asked to choose between empanadas and samosas, and picked “both” when it came to enchiladas versus chicken tikka masala. However, her confession that "hot dog is my weakness" over the beloved Indian vada pav sparked a wave of criticism online. One of the critics, food vlogger Pushpek Sidhu — known for reviewing global spins on Indian cuisine — reacted with disbelief, writing “Ain’t no way” on his Instagram Story. Priyanka didn’t hold back in her reply. She reshared his post on her own Instagram Story, writing, “Wow Bro! Didn’t know there was a syllabus for being desi. It’s not that serious. #vadapav vs #hotdog.” Humaira Asghar found dead weeks after disappearance in Karachi Sidhu responded with humor, posting, “I eat samosa, I breathe samosa, I sleep samosa. My whole personality is samosa... For me, it's very serious @priyankachopra,” followed by laughing emojis. While some netizens accused the actor of “trying to be white” and called her choice “blasphemy,” others defended her, saying food preferences shouldn't determine one’s cultural identity. In the end, Priyanka’s witty and composed response resonated with many fans, reinforcing her message that there’s no rulebook to being Desi — it’s a matter of personal taste. Source: NDTV

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

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

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

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

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