United News of Bangladesh

Coke Studio Bangla unveils the Season 3 finale with a stirring, contemporary evocation of the revered Sufi classic ‘Mast Qalandar’, rendered by Bangladesh's cherished luminary Runa Laila. Arriving on 16 November – on the threshold of her birthday – this release is an intimate homage to a voice that has shaped the subcontinent’s musical imagination and holds enduring reverence in Bangladesh’s cultural heart. Re-envisioned and produced by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Adit Rahman, this version blends the contemplative spirit of timeless Qawwali with the distinct contours of Bangladesh’s musical heritage. The track begins with a poignant Bangla verse by Hason Raja, rendered with aching tenderness by Makhon Mia, before unfurling into a luminous fusion of Sufi gravitas, folk earthiness, and contemporary craft. The piece assembles a cross-generational ensemble featuring stalwarts like Foad Nasser Babu alongside Coke Studio Bangla’s new-wave voices, crafting a sonic tapestry that feels both nostalgic and fresh. ‘‘Mast Qalandar’’ occupies a cherished place in Runa Laila’s storied legacy. With a career spanning more than six decades and performances in over 18 languages, she has served as a cultural conduit, linking Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the wider South Asian diaspora. This rendition bows to the version made indelible by her voice, now tenderly reintroduced for a new generation through Coke Studio Bangla. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in December 2025 Reflecting on the piece, Runa Laila shared that, “Mast Qalandar has always been close to my heart. To perform it again in a new style alongside younger musicians has been a rewarding experience, and I am happy that this song finds life across generations.” As curator, singer, and composer, Shayan Chowdhury Arnob has led Coke Studio Bangla’s artistic compass since its inception, cultivating a space where inheritance and innovation converse. His collaboration with producer and composer Adit Rahman, celebrated for modern arrangements in Shondhatara, Nasek Nasek and Bhober Pagol, delivers a contemporary yet deeply soulful coda to Season 3. Speaking about the song, Arnob said, “This song carries the weight of memories, devotion, and cultural selfhood. Bringing Runa Laila apu’s voice back into this enduring anthem stands as a moment of collective pride for all of us. ‘Mast Qalandar’ is more than music, it is a living bridge between those who have loved, learned and lived with it.” A tribute to heritage, voice, and culture, ‘Mast Qalandar’ emerges as a resonant finale to Season 3 of Coke Studio Bangla. Read more: Café: Coke Studio Bangla Presents A Timeless Fusion of Heartbeats and Nostalgia

Police blocked a musical procession by Udichi Shilpigoshthi, the cultural collective, on Sunday, organized to demand reconsideration of the government’s decision to cancel recruitment of music and physical education teachers in public primary schools. The march, which began in front of the National Press Club, was stopped by police near the Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha. Udichi artists said they intended to proceed to the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna Gate to present their songs. After some discussion, police initially allowed the march to continue, but stopped it again two minutes later after it crossed the Dhaka Range DIG office, preventing further progress. During this time, the artists performed songs while sitting on the road. DU teachers, students protest abolition of music, physical-training teachers’ posts The amended rules, published on November 2, removed the opportunity for recruitment of music and physical education teachers. According to the Secretary-level Committee, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has stepped back from the plan. The committee noted that recruiting such a small number of teachers would be ineffective at the primary level and could create inequality, given that there are 65,569 primary schools nationwide. Cluster-based deployment would require a single teacher to serve 20 or more schools, making workload management impossible. Earlier, in late August, the government issued the Government Primary School Teacher Recruitment Rules, which included positions for music and physical education teachers. Just two months later, the rules were amended. Udichi hosts nationwide event against 'conspiracy centring national anthem' The revised rules sparked widespread criticism. The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) stated that the decision is not only unreasonable but reflects succumbing to pressure from a small group, removing two important subjects from primary education. The National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilon Parishad also protested. In a statement Parishad said, "When a small section of society opposes this using a narrow-minded, distorted interpretation of religion, the government abolished assistant teacher posts for music and physical education through a new notification.” On Saturday afternoon, the cultural organization Chhayanaut also requested reconsideration of the cancellation by performing songs collectively. Teachers and students of Dhaka University’s Music Department held a protest on campus on Wednesday demanding reinstatement of the posts. The rally took place in front of Aparajeyo Bangla, with participants singing the national anthem and raising placards. Dr. Priyanka Gope, Chairperson of the Music Department, read out a memorandum. Teachers from various departments—including Dance Department’s Laboni Banya and Clinical Psychology Department’s Kamal Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury—along with students, spoke at the event. Leaders from Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), including the Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary and cultural secretaries from different halls, expressed solidarity. Students from Chittagong University protested the decision, stating that it poses a major threat to future artistic practice and cultural development in Bangladesh. Students from Jagannath University protested through music. Two steps backwards Globally, music education is emphasized even in countries with large Muslim populations. Saudi Arabia, the spiritual center of Islam, recently hired over 9,000 teachers to introduce music education in public schools as part of Vision 2030 reforms, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, promoting arts, entertainment, and education. The kingdom is now qualifying thousands of kindergarten teachers in music skills. In late 2022, over 12,000 female teachers in government and private kindergartens were trained, and the new phase will train about 17,000 female teachers. Other Muslim-majority countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Egypt, also retain music in their national curriculum. In Malaysia, formal music education became compulsory in all elementary schools in 1983, with primary-level music as an intra-curricular subject since 1982. In Indonesia, home to over 240 million Muslims, music has been compulsory in primary schools since the 1970s and remains under the 2022 curriculum. In Turkey, primary school students receive one hour of music lessons from 1st to 8th grade, with additional two-hour elective lessons from 5th to 8th grade. In Egypt, music has been part of government school curricula, including Arab and Western music, since 1931. In the United Kingdom, comprising England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, music is compulsory with variations in age and enforcement. In Europe, a meNet study covering 20 countries showed music is compulsory at the primary level; secondary education often offers it optionally. Germany, Japan, Australia, and South Africa also mandate music and dance in primary schools. In the United States, according to the NCES (January 2025), 73% of public schools require students to take at least one arts course, most commonly music (84%) and visual arts (82%). In China, music is a compulsory subject during the nine years of mandatory education and part of the quality-oriented education push, with increased curriculum emphasis in recent standards. But In Bangladesh, despite global trends highlighting the importance of music education, several religious organizations and political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, oppose music teacher recruitment. They demand religious instructors instead and have threatened street protests if the decision is not reversed, in a seminar held in September at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers. MIT study suggests music education A new wave of research from the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) scientists suggest that music lessons may do far more to boost brain development and overall intelligence. The study reveals that learning music-whether through playing an instrument, singing, or reading musical notes, activates and strengthens areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills. These neural networks overlap with those used in math and reasoning, giving children a deep cognitive workout that coding lessons can't yet match. Music education engages both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, forging connections that sharpen focus and enhance long-term learning abilities. Music combines creativity, pattern recognition, and emotional expression, creating a richer and more versatile mental environment. Children who play instruments or participate in music programs often show stronger academic performance, improved verbal abilities, and better emotional regulation. Researchers also emphasize the social and emotional benefits of music. Playing in an ensemble or practicing with others fosters teamwork, patience, and communication-skills critical for success in any field, including technology. By developing these qualities early, children gain confidence and adaptability that can help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

There are songs that hit your playlist, and then there are songs that feel like an invitation to a destination. Shayan Chowdhury Arnob’s latest curated piece, "Café," is definitely the latter. This track isn’t just a performance; it’s a perfectly captured moment where the fiery rhythm of Latin Jazz walks right into the quiet, soulful introspection of Bengali music. It’s a warm, dimly lit room captured in sound, and a beautiful reminder that life’s "Real Magic" often lives in the gentle silence between two heartbeats. What makes it truly special is how it balances respect with innovation. This composition is built on a stunning dual inheritance: drawing deeply from the beloved nostalgia of Gautam Chattopadhyay’s “Amar Priya Caffe” (Moheener Ghoraguli) and the foundational, iconic rhythm of Eddie Palmieri’s original “Café.” Producer Shuvendu Das Shuvo manages to weave these two profound, separate traditions into a singular, rich tapestry that somehow feels both instantly familiar and excitingly new. Read more: Classic Ibsen heroine reimagined in new film adaptation Tanzir Tuhin's vocals are the undisputed heart of the piece. His voice carries the Bengali "nostalgia" beautifully, delivering the lyrical sentiment of the idea of a café as a living book of small, private stories with a stirring, authentic warmth. This is instantly grounded by the masterful performance of the ensemble. Gaboo’s percussion carries the legacy of rhythm, providing a complex yet effortless groove, while Lívia Mattos’s accordion adds a magical, almost unexpected layer of European folk-jazz charm. When the brass section (Francis on trombone, Apurba on trumpet) kicks in, the song takes flight, transforming the quiet reflection into a vibrant, swirling dance. "Café" is an emotion first and a fusion second. It captures the quiet energy described in the notes: the last goodbye, the first hello, the "gentle pause between two hearts." It’s a flawless piece of music that proves that some feelings like a perfectly brewed coffee or a shared moment of silence transcend language. This single piece of music is a spectacular achievement from everyone involved from the artists like Mithun Chakraborty and Pradyut Chatterjea to the immense creative and sound squads led by Faizan R Ahmad (Buno) and Syed Gousul Alam Shaon. They haven't just produced a song; they have bottled the timeless hush of a place where everyone leaves a piece of their story behind. Read more: Thamma box office Day 5: Ayushmann, Rashmika's film nears Rs 100 crore mark

In a move towards inclusivity, the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 has announced special arrangements to accommodate female attendees. Young Bangla, through its verified Facebook page, revealed that dedicated entrances and spaces will be reserved exclusively for women. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie,” beckons the announcement, highlighting the concert’s commitment to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Scheduled to take place at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, this year’s event marks a significant departure from tradition, being the first time the concert is held outside the capital city, Dhaka. This strategic shift not only broadens the geographical appeal of the event but also pays homage to the historical essence of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, invoking the spirit of Bangabandhu’s iconic March 7 speech. Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival Since its inception in 2015 by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), the Joy Bangla Concert has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural celebrations, particularly among the youth. After pausing due to the global pandemic, the concert made a roaring comeback in 2023, continuing to honour the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. The event stands out for its unique blend of musical entertainment and historical reflection, creating a deeply resonant experience for attendees. The 2024 edition promises to be a grand musical fiesta, featuring performances from a mix of popular and emerging rock bands. The line-up, as announced by Young Bangla, includes fan favourites such as Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, the local sensation Tirondaz from Chattogram, and Carnival. These acts are set to electrify the stage, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Bangladesh and inspiring a new generation with the indomitable spirit of its people. Read more: Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing on March 2024

The departing 2023 has been a significant year with different cultural festivities across the nation, many of them returning after being ghosted by the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed only web-based events for the past three years. Some major events took place in Bangladesh, making it one of the prominent cultural years in recent history. Several local-international exhibitions and festivals were organized at different venues throughout 2023, be it Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum (LWM), Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art (DU FFA), Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Gallery Cosmos, Bangladesh National Museum, Gallery Chitrak, EMK Centre, Gallery Kaya, Drik, Safiuddin Shilpalay, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Brihatta Art Foundation, EDGE, Abinta Gallery or bother venues in the capital. Right off the bat we had the 10th edition of the Dhaka Lit Fest that ran from January 5-8, returning after a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. Following this auspicious start, the year continued with a string of remarkable artistic and cultural festivities. The 21st edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), one of the oldest and most regular cultural festivals in the country, officially began shortly after the Lit Fest in the capital, showcasing 252 films from 71 countries. The long-awaited 6th edition of the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) also made its return after three years in the following month at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), continued till February 11 under the theme 'Bonna' (Flood). The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair began on February 1st and concluded on February 28 at the premises of Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, marking the first successful edition of the fair after the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. In celebration of World Music Day 2023, a multidisciplinary musical and theatrical performance titled "Made in Bangladesh" by Max Vandervorst of Belgium and 'Joler Gaan' band frontman Rahul Ananda of Bangladesh was staged in June at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Dhanmondi - which eventually led the French President Emmanuel Macron to visit at his home in September. Several urban events captivated netizens this year at the Aloki Convention Centre in the capital's Tejgaon including the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB)'s flagship venture Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023 in March, the convivial urban rendezvous at the Dhaka Makers 2023's inaugural edition in June, and the tantalizing first-ever Arka Fashion Week in October. The venue was also the home of several high-profile concerts, including the musical night of popular Indian singer Lucky Ali. Gallery Cosmos, the philanthropic and artistic wing of Bangladeshi conglomerate Cosmos Group (full disclosure: UNB's parent company), organised several exhibitions and art events throughout the year. The list of events includes an exclusive Intaglio process-Softground and Stencil Workshop by internationally acclaimed art maestro Professor Rokeya Sultana titled 'Impression of Rokeyas', an exclusive watercolor art camp titled 'Splendours of Bangladesh' on August as an ode to the Father of the Nation, a joint exhibition with the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka tiled 'Smiles Around the World: An Artistic Celebration', Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan's solo exhibition titled 'Inspiration' and an exclusive ceremony in honor of a seasoned group of rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Botswana, titled 'Gallery on Wheels' at the Private Museum, Baridhara in the capital. Additionally, several major solo exhibitions also took place throughout the year, including Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence' at AFD. Several local and international festivals were also held across the country in 2023, including (but not limited to) the 9th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival, the 16th International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh, Chhayanaut's traditional Bengali New Year celebration at the Ramna Batamul and its annual folk fest, Shuddha Sangeet Utsab, dance festival and seasonal odes; the Ganga Jamuna Cultural Festival 2023; Korean Film Festival 2023; Goethe-Institut Bangladesh's Science Film Festival 2023 and the traditional 'Zainul Utshab' by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Art in commemoration to the Shilpacharya's 109th birth anniversary. Throughout the year, several musical events also enthralled the audiences and music lovers at different venues including the International Convention Center Bashundhara (ICCB), Bangladesh Army Stadium, Hatirjheel Amphitheatre and Aloki Convention Center. These venues hosted several high-profile musical events, including To Gaza from Dhaka, Joy Bangla Concert, Coke Studio Bangla Live, Cholo Bangladesh Concert, Rock N Rhythm 3.0: Tribute Fiesta, The Night of Pritom Hasan, Dhaka Summer Con 2023, The School of Rock, Dhaka City Sound Project, and many more. Prominent bands and performers including Nagar Baul, Warfaze, Artcell, Meghdol, Shironamhin, Maqsood O' DHAKA, Chirkutt, Nemesis and others continued enthralling the fans in these concerts. The most talked-about musical programme was the second edition of Coke Studio Bangla, which enthralled the listeners with songs such as 'Deora', 'Kotha Koiyo Na', 'Dilaram', 'Murir Tin', 'Bonobibi', 'Darale Duaarey' and more. Besides, the Dhaka concert scene thrived throughout the entirety of 2023 with several big banner concerts and major artists and bands from India and West Bengal, including Lucky Ali, Anupam Roy, Chandrabindoo, Fossils, Taalpatar Shepai, Anuv Jain, Darshan Raval, and others. Overall, it was a tremendous year for the art-culture enthusiasts and admirers in the country, and netizens are looking forward to the forthcoming year with another great bunch of cultural festivities.

Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to Buffett’s official website and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.” The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics. Read: Why are fans throwing objects at favourite musicians on stage? Adele speaks out “Margaritaville,” released on Feb. 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those ”wastin’ away,” an excuse for a life of low-key fun and escapism for those “growing older, but not up.” The song is the unhurried portrait of a loafer on his front porch, watching tourists sunbathe while a pot of shrimp is beginning to boil. The signer has a new tattoo, a likely hangover and regrets over a lost love. Somewhere there is a misplaced salt shaker. “What seems like a simple ditty about getting blotto and mending a broken heart turns out to be a profound meditation on the often painful inertia of beach dwelling,” Spin magazine wrote in 2021. “The tourists come and go, one group indistinguishable from the other. Waves crest and break whether somebody is there to witness it or not. Everything that means anything has already happened and you’re not even sure when.” The song — from the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” — spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historic significance, became a karaoke standard and helped brand Key West, Florida, as a distinct sound of music and a destination known the world over. “There was no such place as Margaritaville,” Buffett told the Arizona Republic in 2021. “It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach.” The song soon inspired restaurants and resorts, turning Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island life into a multimillion brand. He landed at No. 13 in Forbes’ America’s Richest Celebrities in 2016 with a net worth of $550 million. Music critics were never very kind to Buffett or his catalogue, including the sandy beach-side snack bar songs like “Fins,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” But his legions of fans, called “Parrotheads,” regularly turned up for his concerts wearing toy parrots, cheeseburgers, sharks and flamingos on their heads, leis around their necks and loud Hawaiian shirts. Read: Mexican musician finds refuge in saxophone after acid attack “It’s pure escapism is all it is,” he told the Republic. “I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.” His special Gulf Coast mix of country, pop, folk and rock added instruments and tonalities more commonly found in the Caribbean, like steel drums. It was a stew of steelpans, trombones and pedal steel guitar. Buffett’s incredible ear for hooks and light grooves were often overshadowed by his lyrics about fish tacos and sunsets. Rolling Stone, in a review of Buffett’s 2020 album “Life on the Flip Side,” gave grudging props. “He continues mapping out his surfy, sandy corner of pop music utopia with the chill, friendly warmth of a multi-millionaire you wouldn’t mind sharing a tropically-themed 3 p.m. IPA with, especially if his gold card was on the bar when the last round came.” Buffett’s evolving brand began in 1985 with the opening of a string of Margaritaville-themed stores and restaurants in Key West, followed in 1987 with the first Margaritaville Café nearby. Over the course of the next two decades, several more of each opened throughout Florida, New Orleans and California. Read: Musicians Hall of Fame to honor group with New Jersey roots The brand has since expanded to dozens of categories, including resorts, apparel and footwear for men and women, a radio station, a beer brand, ice tea, tequila and rum, home décor, food items like salad dressing, Margaritaville Crunchy Pimento Cheese & Shrimp Bites and Margaritaville Cantina Style Medium Chunky Salsa, the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line and restaurants, including Margaritaville Restaurant, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill. There also was a Broadway-bound jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” a romantic comedy in which a singer-bartender called Sully falls for the far more career-minded Rachel, who is vacationing with friends and hanging out at Margaritaville, the hotel bar where Sully works. James William Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in the port town of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and went from busking the streets of New Orleans to playing six nights a week at Bourbon Street clubs. He released his first record, “Down To Earth,” in 1970 and issued seven more on a regular yearly clip, with his 1974 song “Come Monday” from his fourth studio album “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” peaking at No. 30. Then came “Margaritaville.” He performed on more than 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band, and was constantly on tour. He earned two Grammy Award nominations, two Academy of Country Music Awards and a Country Music Association Award. Buffett was actually in Austin, Texas, when the inspiration struck for “Margaritaville.” He and a friend had stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant before she dropped him at the airport for a flight home to Key West, so they got to drinking margaritas. “And I kind of came up with that idea of this is just like Margarita-ville,” Buffett told the Republic. “She kind of laughed at that and put me on the plane. And I started working on it.” He wrote some on the plane and finished it while driving down the Keys. “There was a wreck on the bridge,” he said. “And we got stopped for about an hour so I finished the song on the Seven Mile Bridge, which I thought was apropos.” Read: Irish music legend Sinéad O’Connor of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' fame dead at 56 Buffett also was the author of numerous books including “Where Is Joe Merchant?” and “A Pirate Looks at Fifty” and added movies to his resume as co-producer and co-star of an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Hoot.” Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.  

Presenting a high energy, festive song that combines Bangla folk genres ‘Shaari’, ‘Jaari’ and ‘Pala Gaan’ with electrifying urban grooves, Coke Studio Bangla released its fifth track “Deora” on Sunday (May 07) night across all its digital platforms. Composed, produced, mixed and mastered by Pritom Hasan – one of the most versatile contemporary musicians, “Deora” is dedicated to the boatsmen’s rhythm and energy during ‘Nouka Baich’ or traditional boat race, popular in rural Bangladesh and held during the monsoon and autumn seasons. The title of the song refers to ‘brother-in-law’ in the regional dialect of north Bengal, and this type of song is performed during the boat races – cheering on the racers – from the banks of rivers. The biggest surprise in the song has been the superlative performance by Islam Uddin Palakar, renowned in the ‘Pala Gaan’ tradition of Bangla folk songs. “The rich heritage of this genre usually requires elaborative theatrical performances where the actor takes on multiple roles – sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, and sometimes an inanimate object – to present stories to their audience. These performances can take up to 8 hours without a break.” – Coke Studio Bangla describes. Read More: Web series Hotel Relax hits a new record: Bongo Pritom jointly penned the lyrics with Fazlu Majhi, a boat racer himself who also performed in the song with his team. The first Bangladeshi Grammy Award-nominated artist Armeen Musa and her ‘Ghaashphoring Choir’ added another dimension to the song. Describing the fusion in detail, Coke Studio Bangla mentioned on the song’s YouTube description, “…’Shaari Gaan’, usually associated with physical labour, and ‘Jaari Gaan’ known for its motivational lyrics – the perfect combination for a sport that requires the participants to have quick bursts of intense energy for rowing their boat across the finishing line.”

Sound box or speakers are essential components of any audio system, whether it's for personal use or a public event. The quality of sound boxes plays a crucial role in delivering an immersive and engaging audio experience. Sound boxes made by diverse international and local brands are available in the markets of Bangladesh. However, not all sound boxes can offer high-quality sound and durability. Let's take a look at some of the top sound boxes available in Bangladesh in 2023. Things to consider when buying a Speaker or Sound Box When considering purchasing a sound box, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before deciding: Sound Quality: It is important to choose a sound box that produces high-quality sound and delivers crisp, clear audio. Read More: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Compatibility: Ensure that the sound box is compatible with your device, whether it is a smartphone, laptop, or any other device you intend to use with it. Connectivity: Check the connectivity options available, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections such as USB and HDMI. Size and Portability: Consider the size and portability of the sound box, especially if you plan to use it on the go or in different locations. Durability: Look for a sound box that is built to last and can withstand wear and tear over time. Read More: Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Price: Set a budget for yourself and look for a sound box that fits within your price range while also meeting your requirements. Popular Sound Boxes in Bangladesh in 2023 under different Price Ranges Sound Systems Under BDT 5000 F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker The F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great choice for those who want an affordable, portable speaker with excellent sound quality. With a 1.5-inch full-range neodymium driver, this speaker offers powerful and clear sound. It has a waterproof design (IPX4 grade) and is easy to carry thanks to its slim and polygon shape.  The F&D W24 has a frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of >-75dB. It comes with a 4400mAh rechargeable battery and has a Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters. The price of an F&D W24 Speaker in Bangladesh starts from 2,900 BDT. Read More: New device puts music in your head - without headphones

Fitness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many ways to achieve it. Dance-based workouts have become popular fitness options, which are fun and engaging ways to get into shape. Zumba dance is one such workout that has gained popularity in recent years, offering a high-energy and rhythmic exercise experience. Let's dive into the history, benefits, and risks of the Zumba dance. What is Zumba Dance? Zumba dance involves interval workouts. The high/low-intensity dance moves can boost cardiovascular fitness while also improving balance, coordination, and agility of the body. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the choreography as it contributes to a moderate level of strength training. The Zumba class doesn't require any prior dancing experience. However, individuals with a natural sense of rhythm can learn dance moves and workouts more easily. Zumba classes primarily feature Latin-inspired music with a slow warm-up song that gradually increases in intensity throughout the class, followed by a cool-down song. The repetitive nature of the choreography makes it easy to pick up, even for those with limited dancing skills. Read More: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You? Usually, a Zumba class doesn't have a competitive environment like regular dance training classes, so the participants can enjoy the workouts and relax. History of Zumba Dance Alberto “Beto” Perez, a fitness instructor and choreographer, created Zumba in the mid-1990s. The official Zumba website describes the genesis of this exercise phenomenon as a “happy accident.” One day Beto forgot his regular music while teaching an aerobics class. He had to improvise. So, Beto used Latin dance music (salsa and merengue) tapes that he had with him. It led to a class that mixed dance and aerobics in a fun and engaging way, without strict rep-counting. After that Beto started to integrate music and dancing into his other classes and called it "Rumbacize". Zumba gained popularity day by day. In 2001, Beto brought it to Miami, where he connected with two other individuals. The trio created a fitness video series. The term “Zumba” was coined for its similarity to the term "rumba", which refers to the Cuban musical genre. However, the dance form was called “Sumba” for some days. Read More: Is Gym Good for Women? Insight Venture Partners and the Raine Group invested in 2012 for expanding Zumba into class instruction. By 2015, there were about 14 million Zumba students in 186 countries. Benefits of Zumba Dance Diversity and Accessibility Zumba's versatility as a workout program, coupled with its extensive availability and wide range of class styles, makes it a suitable option for almost everyone, regardless of their fitness level and interests.  For instance, if someone loves swimming, he or she can go for Aqua Zumba classes which are offered by some swimming pools. Besides these, Zumba classes are also available in some public parks where visitors can participate. Read More: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally General Fitness As Zumba continues to remain popular, several studies have been conducted to examine its effectiveness. A 2016 literature review concluded that Zumba is an effective workout for improving cardiovascular fitness, with some limited evidence suggesting possible benefits for muscular fitness and flexibility. Sustainability Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, and a program that is enjoyable is more likely to be adhered to. Therefore, it's important to find a workout that is both effective and enjoyable. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Zumba has good feasibility and adherence, making it a sustainable program for sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome. This suggests that Zumba can be an effective and enjoyable way to achieve long-term fitness goals. Read More: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy

With the advent of technology, diverse artificial intelligence (AI) tools and chatbots are appearing in 2023. Among them, the text-based artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, has attracted millions of users worldwide. Although many feel apprehensive about ChatGPT replacing human workers, it has some benefits too. This chatbot can quickly respond to almost all types of queries and provide answers and materials. This efficient AI model can facilitate a lot of tasks that would make earning money easier. What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched as a prototype on November 30 in 2022. This model was built on top of the GPT-3.5 language mode which was fine-tuned using supervised as well as reinforcement learning techniques. The latest version of ChatGPT based on GPT-4 was released on March 14, 2023. This version is available only for paid subscribers only. Read More: ChatGPT by Open AI: All you need to know 7 Ways to Earn Money through OpenAI’s ChatGPT Affiliate marketing Affiliate marketing is a passive earning method that involves promoting a certain product or service on online platforms like websites, blogs, or social media. Here the promotion is done through articles, product reviews, audio, video, or other audience-building mediums. Affiliate marketers earn commissions on the sales purchased through their leads or affiliate links. ChatGPT can be utilized to develop articles and videos. However, to avoid strikes on YouTube and other online platforms, copyright rules should not be ignored. Read More: Ways of Affiliate Marketing while Staying in Bangladesh Blogging and AdSense Those who have a passion for writing can start blogging on a specific niche like sports, lifestyle, music, cooking, parenting, food recipes, technology, etc. ChatGPT can help cut down the time to research specific topics and produce content. However, the content should be well-researched and plagiarism-free, while offering something new that others are not. Duplicate or similar content will be penalized by search engine operators.   After uploading around 20 to 30 pieces of content, the blog can be submitted for Google AdSense. Once Google AdSense is approved, the blogger can earn through CPC (pay-per-click). Read More: Monetizing Your Blog: How to Make Money from Blogging Software Development ChatGPT AI model has coding and programming skills. Using ChatGPT, programmers and software engineers can design easy-to-use software, apps, and online tools that they can sell or earn commissions from.