United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to take swift action for removal of advertisements and banners in Dhaka that displayed congratulatory messages with his picture. The Prime Minister gave the directive in the morning, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “On his way to his Secretariat office, the Prime Minister ordered the immediate removal of a banner showing his picture in front of Police Plaza at Hatirjheel, and it was taken down immediately,” Rumon said. He added that the Prime Minister also instructed the authorities to remove quickly all billboards and advertisements across the capital that displayed congratulatory messages with his picture. A few days ago, Rumon said, while travelling along Bijoy Sarani, the Prime Minister noticed an LED screen showing a congratulatory message and immediately ordered its removal. He said the Prime Minister reached his office at the Secretariat around 9:10am today and later held a meeting with Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque. Rumon said the Prime Minister instructed increased patrolling in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to prevent piracy, robbery, illegal trade, and to protect fisheries, ensuring fishermen’s safety. Vehicle speed increases The Additional Press Secretary said a report was submitted to the Prime Minister today, showing that vehicle movement speed in the capital has improved as people are now following traffic signals. “A report has been submitted to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on traffic congestion and vehicle speeds in the capital. It shows that vehicle movement has improved because top officials including the Prime Minister are now following traffic signals without taking advantage of VIP protocol,” he said. PM Tarique asks Coast Guard to continue public service, disaster response efforts Rumon said previously, the average speed on Dhaka roads was 4.5 km/h, roughly the pace of walking. Since taking office, he said the Prime Minister has reduced VIP protocol and started following traffic signals. Rumon said the report, covering the past 14 days, shows that vehicle speed has increased to 5.3 km/h as the President, ministers, and state officials now follow traffic rules. Rice price monitoring After learning about the rise in coarse rice prices, a staple for low-income people, the Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister  on Monday instructed the relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action. “Yesterday (Monday), when Prime Minister Tarique Rahman learned about the rise in coarse rice prices, immediate measures were taken and the market has already started showing a positive impact,” he said.

The rising rapper Doechii has earned the title of Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, landing her in the same company as Taylor Swift, SZA, Lady Gaga and as last year's honoree, Karol G. The news arrives just one month after Doechii won the Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category. When it came time to give her award speech, the tears were immediate. “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill —” she said, correcting herself. “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.” Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman Now she will be honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 29. Previous honorees include Madonna, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande. In 2024, The Associated Press named Doechii's breakout mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” one of the best albums of the year — a versatile album that teeters from the romance of her smooth R&B and the acuity of her flows. "Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit,” said Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard in a statement. “We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.” Other award recipients at the Billboard Women in Music Awards include aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink's Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long and Tyla. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor reunite at IIFA The awards show will be held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, hosted by Laverne Cox. Billboard Women in Music will air live on March 29 at 7 p.m. Pacific on VIZIO WatchFree+. Tickets are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Olivia Rodrigo, Kanye West and Drake are already big winners before the Billboard Music Awards officially kicks off. Rodrigo and West, known as Ye, both have taken home the most awards with six during a non-televised ceremony on Sunday. Rodrigo, who won best new artist, is a finalist in the top female artist category, which will be announced later in the show's live broadcast. Sean “Diddy” Combs will emcee the show, which is being broadcast live from the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas and will air live beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC and its Peacock streaming service. Also read: Best Rainy Day Movies to Excite Homebound Ecstasy Drake was named top artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album for “Certified Lover Boy.” The rapper extended his record as the most decorated winner in the history of the awards show with 34 wins. Ye made his mark in the faith-based categories - again: The rapper won top Christian artist for the first time, but he claimed top gospel artist and gospel song for a third year in a row. He also received top gospel album for the second time. The Kid LAROI became a first-time winner, taking home five wins for his song “Stay” with Justin Bieber - whose Billboard Music Awards win count rose to 26. Doja Cat won top R&B artist and R&B female artist for the second consecutive year. She'll compete for top R&B album and female artist. Taylor Swift - who has the second most-ever award show wins with 29 - won four awards. Bad Bunny received two wins while R&B duo Silk Sonic, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, won their first-ever award for top R&B song through “Leave the Door Open.” The show will include performances by Travis Scott, Ed Sheeran, Becky G and other artists who have enjoyed chart-topping success. Also read:Warhol's 'Marilyn' auction nabs $195M; most for US artist Becky G, who released the album “Esquemas” on Friday, will perform her hit song “MAMIII,” which topped the Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. Sheeran will deliver a remote performance from Northern Ireland, where he is on tour. Other acts taking the stage include Scott, who’s nominated in the dance/electronic music category, as well as Miranda Lambert, Meghan Thee Stallion, Morgan Wallen, and Grammy Awards darlings Silk Sonic. Nominees are determined by Billboard chart rankings and winners are selected based on several criteria, including their album and digital song sales, airplay and streaming success and touring.