United News of Bangladesh

The ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the prestigious ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative is set to begin on Tuesday afternoon (5:30 pm KSA time), showcasing the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle of Bangladesh. This high-profile event will highlight various aspects of the lives of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offering visitors a colorful glimpse into the nation’s traditions, art, and customs. A diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, will celebrate the country’s rich cultural identity through performances at Al-Suwaidi Park over the four-day event. Filled with lively performances, traditional music and dance and a taste of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular showcase of Bangladesh’s heritage. The artistes will present a series of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence. Last year, the event featured iconic Bangladeshi rock legend Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. Read more: Saudi Arabia to roll out digital deportation platform The Global Harmony Initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, strengthening Riyadh’s role as a global hub for cultural and civilisational diversity. The Saudi Ministry of Media concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative. The event attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances that reflected the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity. The Indian Cultural Week, an initiative under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artists who presented theatrical, artistic and heritage performances that highlighted India’s rich cultural identity. Interactive pavilions showcased traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents and members of the Indian community. The week concluded with energetic artistic performances by Indian troupes, met with enthusiastic audience participation and applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange that the Kingdom seeks to foster. Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity

A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against popular singer Asif Akbar in a case filed under the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Act. Dhaka Cyber Tribunal Judge Mohammad As-Sams Jaglul Hossain framed the charges rejecting the plea for acquittal and set June 23 to start recording statements of witnesses, said public prosecutor Najrul Islam Shamim. With the framing of charges the formal trial in the case has started. On June 4, 2018, lyricist and singer Shafiq Tuhin filed the case against Asif at Tejgaon police station. On November 20, 2019, the investigation officer in the case filed two separate chargesheets against the singer under the ICT Act and Penal Code. According to the case complaint, the plaintiff found out that Asif sold 617 songs of different lyricists, musician and singers without their permission through an investigative program named,”Search Light,” broadcasted in a private TV channel on June 1, 2018. Read: Asif, Lutfor coming up with an Islamic song this Ramadan Later the plaintiff got information from different sources that Asif digitalized those songs through his production company ARB Entertainment and earned a huge amount of money. Shafiq Tuhin posted a status about the matter on his personal Facebook account where Asif commented indecently. Later Asif came live on Facebook and said he will resist Shafiq anywhere he finds him.  

One of the most celebrated singers of Bangladesh, Asif Akbar, and famous singer and lyricist Lutfor Hasan are coming up with an Islamic song this Ramadan. Amzad Hossain arranged the music of this song. It will be released soon by the local production house Dhruba Music Station.