Bollywood blockbuster “Jawan” director Atlee has disclosed that he was approached by Hollywood filmmakers following the film's premiere. “People who worked on our film [Jawan] were from Hollywood. Action director Spiro Razatos worked with us. So, Spiro and other great directors and technicians from Hollywood were at the same screening of Jawan. And, Spiro said, ‘I have done action in this film,’” NDTV quoted Atlee. Also read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ makes historic debut in Bangladesh Atlee also discussed a certain action scene admired by the "great directors and technicians." It was Shah Rukh Khan's introductory scene in “Jawan,” when his character, Vikram Rathore, eventually awakens and saves a village. Atlee added, “So, they [directors and technicians] asked Spiro who has done that scene where SRK is engulfed in flames. He [Spiro] said, ‘It was the director's [Atlee] vision and he [Atlee] executed it.'” “So they immediately connected with me and told me, ‘If you want to work in Hollywood, let us know,'” he continued. Also read: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster Atlee commented on the film’s international success, saying, “So it [action sequences] isn't a taste which is very desi. It is something superheroic and it has a very basic rhythm. I thought this idea only works for us but it is working globally.” Also read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ releases tonight in Bangladesh, making history “Jawan,” starring Shah Rukh Khan, has received widespread acclaim. The Atlee film is making all the right noises, whether it is because of the tunes or because of SRK's brilliant lines. “Jawan” is also the Hindi film to reach the Rs 500-crore mark the fastest. It is now aiming to cross the Rs 1,000 crore milestone at the global box office, said the report. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, “Jawan” also stars Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanjay Dutt, and Deepika Padukone (in a special appearance). The movie was released worldwide on September 7.

After a 15-year home ODI defeat to New Zealand, Bangladesh aims to rebound in the final ODI under newly appointed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. With regular captain Shakib Al Hasan absent and vice-captain Litton Das opting for rest after the first two matches, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) turned to Shanto, who brings leadership experience from U-19 and age-level cricket. "This is a moment of great pride for me and my family," Shanto remarked on Monday. "I'm eager to embrace this opportunity." Read: Litton rested, Shanto to lead Bangladesh in 3rd ODI vs New Zealand Facing a potential series defeat against a team that hadn't won an ODI in Bangladesh until the previous match, Shanto remains undaunted. He seeks to end the series on a high note, recognizing a victory as a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup in India next month. "We're not dwelling on the past," stated the newly-appointed captain. "We must be prepared for whatever comes our way. A victory in the series' final match would be a strong step towards the World Cup, instilling greater confidence in us." Read: BPL Players’ Draft 2024: Ashraful and Sabbir overlooked With ten teams participating in the upcoming World Cup, Bangladesh is one of only two yet to finalize their squad, leaving players uncertain. Shanto, however, dispelled this uncertainty, affirming the players have a clear understanding of who will be in the World Cup squad. Shanto envisions making the upcoming World Cup a memorable campaign, drawing motivation from Bangladesh's strong performance in the World Cup Super League. As one of the top three teams in the qualifying event, Shanto believes this achievement fuels their ambitious aspirations. The success of Bangladesh's World Cup campaign largely hinges on Shanto's performance at the top order. He embraces the responsibility with optimism, prepared to play a pivotal role for the Tigers. Bangladesh has made two adjustments to the third ODI squad, reinstating Khaled Ahmed due to Taskin Ahmed's illness, and adding left-handed batter Afif Hossain. These alterations align with Bangladesh's rotation policy aimed at fine-tuning their World Cup squad and ensuring player recovery. "We have a busy schedule ahead," Shanto emphasized, defending the rotation policy. "It's part of our strategic approach, not a sudden shift in strategy."

A ‘smart corner’ was inaugurated at the party office of the ruling Awami League (AL) in Panchagarh Sadar upazila to create smart and skilled activists to tackle anti-county propaganda. With this, a total of 39 smart corners have so far been opened in the country. Also read: AL issues 36-day ultimatum to BNP to shun 'negative politics' Chief coordinator of the AL’s national election administration committee and former cabinet secretary Kabir Bin Anwar inaugurated the corner office located at the Zero Point of the district headquarters on Monday. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for building a smart Bangladesh and the smart corner will materialise the dreams of Smart Bangladesh. Recalling the 2008 electoral manifesto of the AL, the chief coordinator said the premier now wants to turn Bangladesh into a smart country from a digital one. He said Bangladesh Awami League will play a pioneer role in building ‘Smart Bangladesh’ and works are on to make each party office digital and smart. As a continuation of it, the smart corner here was inaugurated. Also read: Youth killed, 50 injured in AL-BNP clash in Laxmipur The former cabinet secretary said the smart corner will be set up at every upazila in phases to convey messages of development at each corner of the country. Taking training from the corner, the skilled activists will resist the anti-country propaganda and the corner will implement the road to smart Bangladesh, he said. Also read: Over 200 injured as AL-BNP engage in clashes in Habiganj Local leaders and activists of the party were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Information Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has likened the BNP to an old car with a dying battery. "They (BNP) are sitting like an old car and have put in a lot of programs to make sure their battery doesn't go out of order. But no matter how much you try to start an old car, and charge its battery, it will suddenly stop while running; BNP will also stop suddenly after a few days like the old car. They cannot take the movement forward,” he said. Also read: BNP leaders losing their mind over world's praise for Bangladesh: Hasan Mahmud Hasan was addressing a peace rally organised by Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League at Jatrabari in the capital on Monday afternoon. Jatiya Sangsad Deputy Leader Begum Matia Chowdhury, lawmaker Nurul Amin Ruhul, Dhaka City South Awami League General Secretary Humayun and other leaders spoke at the rally. Also read: US sanctions made govt lose its sanity: Fakhrul "As you know, BNP is announcing various programmes in the country with the intention of creating chaos in Bangladesh and to sabotage the upcoming elections. As the ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League has a responsibility so that no one can disturb peace and order and security in public life in the country. That is why the call for peace rallies has been given, not as a programme,” he said. Also read: BNP failed to congratulate universal pension system: Hasan Mahmud "They said in December that the rally will be held in front of Naya Paltan and from there they will not go under any circumstances. They gave 24 hours, 48 hours ultimatums to the government at various times with the ultimatum, it was seen that the BNP itself had run out of breath. There are no more people in their rallies than they used to be. And they don't have to be so delighted about visa policy,” added the minister.  

US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel to Islamabad, Karachi, and Dhaka September 25 – October 2. The Assistant Secretary will meet with embassy and consulate staff and observe consular operations, said the US Department of State on Monday. Read: Bangladesh a model for rest of the world: US Assistant Secretary Noyes She will meet with host government officials to discuss consular issues. "Her trip underscores our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of U.S. citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel and immigration to the United States," said the Spokesperson at the US Department of State. Read more: US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu in town; Dhaka will discuss key issues “frankly”

The Commercial Counselor of the US Embassy in Dhaka, John Fay, on Monday said Bangladesh would reap long-term benefits through US investment and access to the US market. He said this while speaking as the guest of honor at a seminar titled ‘Bangladesh-US Trade and Investment Opportunities’ organized by the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) at its auditorium in Paltan. Fay said the US is the largest investor in several sectors in the country including energy, power, and technology. The agriculture sector is getting US support for technological, plant variety development, and production enhancement. Moreover, there are potential sectors for US investors such as export-oriented textile, man-made fiber–based apparel, leather, ICT, Pharmaceutical, and agriculture sectors, he pointed out. Trade expert Dr MA Razzque, Chairman of RAPID, a research organization, highlighted that the US market is a large source of Bangladeshi product export and more than 18 percent of total exports of the country happen in the US market. Read: UBS reaps $28B in new assets in 1Q; Credit Suisse deal looms He also illustrated that Bangladesh is the third largest manufacturing hub in Asia after China and Vietnam in terms of large-scale but lower-cost production. Razzaque also shows the US market has potential for Bangladeshi products as the market is very much diversified in export volume of Bangladeshi goods. Former IFC economist and Chairman of Policy Exchange Mashrur Reaz Bangladesh is getting the US and global entrepreneurs' attention as the country’s economy has grown an average of 7.1 percent in the last 10 years. Read: BGMEA chief for intensifying collaboration with S Africa to reap mutual benefits “Bangladesh already proved its ability as a prominent manufacturer in all weather and the country will be the 9th largest consumer market by 2030, which will be an important market for global manufacturers,” he said. Faruque Hasan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and Muhammad Ali Khokon, President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) among others, spoke at the function. ERF president Mohammad Refyet Ullah Mirdha presided over the program while Secretary Abul Kashem was the moderator. Read more: India can reap benefits of Bangladesh’s connectivity outlook: Momen

Despite an impressive debut, right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed was initially omitted from the Bangladesh ODI squad in favor of senior player Taskin Ahmed, who was rested. However, within 24 hours, Taskin was sidelined due to illness, paving Khaled's return for the third and final ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand on Tuesday. Asia Games Cricket: Bangladesh women win bronze beating Pakistan by 5 wickets Along with Khaled, left-handed batter Afif Hossain has also been recalled to the national team for the third ODI, rejoining after being rested for the first two matches against the same opponent. The first match of the series was washed out due to heavy rain. However, New Zealand secured a memorable win in the second match, marking their first ODI victory in Bangladesh in 15 years. Now, the visitors have the opportunity to clinch the series if they emerge victorious in the last match on Tuesday. Litton rested, Shanto to lead Bangladesh in 3rd ODI vs New Zealand In the absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan and vice-captain Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in the third ODI against New Zealand. This will mark his first time leading the Bangladesh senior side in an international outing. BAN vs NZ ODI Series: Tamim and Litton may sit out the final match Bangladesh squad for third New Zealand ODI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Afif Hossain.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said that the government has lost its sanity due to the US sanctions and restrictions.  Referring to a piece in a vernacular daily, he said, "The sanction is being discussed in the secretariat. Those who helped the government in its illegal activities become scared... It is understood that the closing bell of this government has rung." Mirza Fakhrul said this while addressing a rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP at Dholaikhal in the capital on Monday afternoon demanding the release of Khaleda Zia.  Read: Chief Justice rails against US visa policy on last working day Mentioning that Khaleda Zia is on the brink of death, the BNP leader said the doctors asked to take her abroad on an emergency basis.  "Therefore, release the leader immediately, otherwise the government will have to take all responsibility," he said.  Mirza Fakhrul said that not only the US sanction, the people of this country are now giving sanctions to this government. "The people of this country are saying in clear terms; now enough has happened, many tortures have occurred, leaders are imprisoned. We will not allow that to happen again. That's why we're on the road." Read: ‘BNP now an old car with a weak battery’: Hasan Mahmud "This government will not listen easily. We have to create waves on the waves and push them out from power through movements," he told the leaders.  So we have to create a wave of movement. if it don't work in a peaceful movement, we have to go to a strong movement. Everyone should be ready to fight on the streets unitedly, Fakhrul added.  Mirza Fakhrul said, "Now the people of Bangladesh have woken up. No matter how hard you try, you can't bring the people of this country home." Read: Take steps to send Khaleda abroad for treatment in 48 hrs or take all responsibility: Fakhrul BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, chairperson's special assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, publicity secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, self-help affairs secretary Shirin Sultana and Jubo Dal president Sultan Salauddin Tuku, among others, spoke on the occasion. Earlier, from 11 am on Monday, a large number of leaders and activists started gathering at the rally with the slogan.  The rally was supposed to be held at Dholaikhal intersection, but it extended to Rayer Shah Bazar, Tipu Sultan Road, and Laxmibazar.  Dhaka Metropolitan South Convener Abdus Salam presided over the rally under the overall supervision of Engineer Ishraque Hossain.  

Outgoing Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique has said the country became independent at the cost of blood and not at the mercy of anyone. “Those who had opposed at the time of independence are also opposing now. So we are not bothered by this visa policy. I've never been to America personally. I will never go in the future,” he said. Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls He made the remarks while replying to a question from reporters after observing his last working day at the Supreme Court on Monday. "I have worked tirelessly for the welfare of the judiciary during my tenure as chief justice. I never thought about myself or my family,” said the country's 23rd chief justice. Also read: Trade ties with US won't be disrupted by visa policy: Salman F Rahman “I have encouraged and instructed judges across the country to resolve the backlog of cases. For the benefit of the litigants, we have set up naye kunjo in the court premises across the country,” he also said. “We have set up mediation centres in the Supreme Court to reduce the backlog of cases through mediation,” he added. “The newly appointed chief justice is a dynamic personality. I hope he will handle the judiciary efficiently,” said Hasan Foez Sidduque. Also read: What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone? Newly appointed Chief Justice Justice Obaidul Hassan and all the judges of the Appellate Division were present at the time.

US Bangladeshi religious minority leaders met with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in New York on Sunday. They discussed issues related to religious minorities in Bangladesh. The leaders requested the foreign minister's assistance in facilitating the passage of a Hate Crime Act, according to a press release on Monday. Momen urges Bangladeshi diaspora to counter misinformation and propaganda with facts At the time, the leaders thanked the foreign minister for his ongoing support, particularly amplifying security and protection for 2022 Durga Puja celebrations, and requested for a safe and peaceful Durga Puja celebration in 2023, it said. US Sen. Bob Menendez charged with corruption-related offenses for the second time in 10 years Dr Dilip Nath, New York Democratic leader; Dr Dwijen Bhattacharjee, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council, USA (BHBCUC, USA); and Dr Thomas Dulu Roy, president of BHBCUC, USA, were present at the time, among others. What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone?