United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the interim government has appointed a 15-member board of trustees to supervise the Bangladesh Artist Welfare Trust, dedicated to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged artists with effective projects and activities, for the next three years. Dr Asif Nazrul, the adviser of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will oversee the Trust as the Chairman, while the Cultural Affairs Secretary will be serving as the Vice Chairman. The Managing Director of Bangladesh Artist Welfare Trust will serve the board as its Member Secretary. However, after the dynamic shift in the regime’s power as an aftermath of the student-led mass revolt which ousted the previous government, reforms have been implemented in the cultural arena as in other fields, leading to the inclusion of several noted media personalities in the newly formed board of the Bangladesh Artist Welfare Trust. These new members are activist-academician-playwright-actor Samina Luthfa, popular playback singer Kanak Chapa, the ‘Mohanagar’-famed renowned filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun, and actress-puppeteer and activist Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed. On Sunday, Nipun and Nawshaba were also announced as the new members of the newly formed Bangladesh Film Censor Board. The rest of the 15-member board of the newly formed Bangladesh Artist Welfare Trust includes several other prominent personalities, including the Director Generals of Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, as well as joint secretaries from the finance and information ministries.  Three renowned young poets including Nahid Hasan, Imtiaz Mahmud, and Syed Jamil, alongside writer and educator Tuhin Wadud, are also announced as the new board members.

A letter written by actor and television presenter Shahriar Nazim Joy to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resurfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism. The actor has since come forward to clarify and defend his actions, while addressing the social backlash. Originally written in 2014, Joy’s letter requested a plot of land in Purbachal and included high praise for Sheikh Hasina, whom he referred to as the “most outstanding leader” and “an exemplary mother figure.” He also noted a personal connection, pointing out that he shares the same nickname as Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. On Friday, Joy addressed the renewed attention in a Facebook post, emphasizing that the letter has gone viral at least 14 times since 2014. He defended himself by saying that many others had similarly requested and received plots during the previous government’s tenure, adding that he had no involvement in the recently exposed conspiracy involving high-profile artists. “Even though you didn’t find my name in the ‘Alo Ashbei’ chat group or the YouTubers’ conspiracy, why would you still target me?” Joy wrote in his post. He explained that plots were allotted under section 13 (a) regulations, and while the current government has cancelled those allotments, people continue to circulate his letter online. “People are making my phone number viral and harassing me socially,” he added. In the post, Joy also admitted to using flattery in the letter, acknowledging that it was something to be “ashamed of.” However, he urged for a fair assessment of the situation: “Of course, this letter contained flattery... Please ensure that the punishment is reasonable. Remember, Allah will not pardon you either. Now we all see that sins have consequences, right?” He concluded his statement by urging people to stop spreading hatred: “Remain composed and stop spewing hatred. Together, let's provide mutual support and make amends for our mistakes.” Shariar Nazim Joy, one of the country’s most recognized television actors, has also gained prominence as the host of popular shows like “300 Seconds,” “Sense of Humour,” and “3000 Seconds.” In addition to his television career, he runs his own YouTube channel, “Shahriar Nazim Joy Show.”

Though Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, faces challenges such as overpopulation, pollution, traffic congestion, and waterlogging, it also offers some exciting spots for fun and relaxation. Among these, theme parks are top choices for a joyful day out. Catering to all ages, these parks feature thrilling roller coasters, serene water rides, and engaging live shows. Whether with friends, family, or solo, these parks promise endless fun and unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the top 10 theme parks in and around Dhaka. 10 Popular Theme Parks in and Around Dhaka Toggi Fun World Toggi Fun World, located in Bashundhara City Mall on Panthapath in Dhaka, is an exciting amusement and VR theme park. It operates daily from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The entry fee is 150 BDT, with ride costs ranging from 250 to 1500 BDT. Attractions include the Escape Room, Dragon Hunter, Gyro VR, Hado, Hologate, Laser Tag, and Paintball. The park features an Experience Zone, AR/VR Zone, Horror & Puzzle Zone, War Zone, and an arcade. While Toggi Fun World offers thrilling experiences, it can become crowded during peak hours. It stands out as the country's most exciting amusement destination. Read more: Mana Bay Water Park: What does the Premium Water Park in Gazaria Offer? Fantasy Kingdom Fantasy Kingdom, located at Ashulia of Savar in Dhaka, is a vibrant amusement park ideal for family outings. The entry fee is 500 BDT, including Pepsi or ice cream. For 1000 BDT, visitors receive entry plus access to 12 rides, excluding certain attractions like the Giant Splash and 3D Cinema, along with an ice cream or soft drink. The park features a variety of fun rides, including bumper cars, roller coasters, the Magic Carpet, Santa Maria, Izzy Dizzy, Whirly Bird, Zuzu Train, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel. Open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and until 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays, Fantasy Kingdom can get crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. Nandan Park Nandan Park, located in Savar, is Bangladesh's largest family entertainment center, attracting large crowds daily. With an entry fee of 350 BDT, the park features unique rides such as the 5D Cinema Theater, Cable Car, Water Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Musical Dancing Fountain. It is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday to Thursday and 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Read more: Beautiful Camping Sites Near Dhaka to Spend Quality Time with Nature

Close to 80,000 fans are expected to pack Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs play the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of the AFC championship game Thursday night, lifting the lid on the NFL season. Many will be watching for Taylor Swift to appear in one of the stadium suites, too. The pop superstar became one of the Chiefs' biggest fans last season, when she began a high-profile romance with tight end Travis Kelce. He had failed in an attempt to deliver a friendship bracelet at one of her concerts, so Kelce took to social media to invite Swift to a game, and the “Anti-Hero” singer showed up for a September matchup with the Bears. They continued to see each other throughout the season, whenever Swift was on break from her Eras Tour. The 14-time Grammy winner even made a much-publicized sprint from a stadium show in Japan to Las Vegas in time for the Super Bowl, where she partied with friends such as Blake Lively, enjoyed Post Malone's performance of “America the Beautiful," won what appeared to be a beer chugging contest, and then celebrated the Chiefs' triumph by locking lips with Kelce on the field. CIA official: Suspects in foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift shows aimed to kill 'tens of thousands' Along the way, Swift became close friends with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany. During this past offseason, Kelce frequently dropped in on the Eras Tour, even making an on-stage cameo. Swift later said in a social media post she was still “cracking up/swooning over (Kelce's) Eras Tour debut” before 90,000 screaming fans at Wembley Stadium in London, and that “she was never going to forget these shows.” Indeed, it has been a busy offseason for both of the superstars. Swift recently concluded the European leg of the Eras Tour with five consecutive shows at Wembley Stadium, and she is on break until October, when she begins the North American leg with stops across the U.S. and Canada stretching into December. Kelce and his brother, retired Eagles center Jason Kelce, recently struck a deal reportedly worth nine figures to take their “New Heights” podcast to Amazon's Wondery. He is due to appear in Ryan Murphy's murder mystery “Grotesquerie” on FX debuting Sept. 25, and he is hosting “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity” on Prime Video premiering Oct. 16. Taylor Swift's Eras tour returns in London, with assist from Ed Sheeran, after foiled terror plot Then there's the fact that the Chiefs, who have won two straight Super Bowls and three in the past five years, are chasing some history beginning Thursday night. No team has ever won the Lombardi Trophy three consecutive times. Kelce was asked this week how he juggles everything, and he pointed to the Chiefs practice facility — and Arrowhead Stadium, which sits just up the hill and across the parking lot — as his sanctuary, where he is surrounded by his closest friends. “I just love football and how it takes me away from life,” he explained, “and it gives me something I can feel genuinely happy about. I enjoy coming into the building, working on my craft, getting to understand a new game plan and perfecting that for the people around me. It gives me a purpose to kind of go about my day and to live my life. I have so much excitement doing it.” Not everything has been smooth for Swift and Kelce this offseason, though. Last month, Swift canceled three sold-out shows in Vienna after the CIA discovered intelligence that led to multiple arrests of men linked to the Islamic State group. The agency's deputy director, David Cohen, said "they were plotting to kill a huge number — tens of thousands of people at this concert, including I am sure many Americans — and were quite advanced in this.” Then on Thursday, a spokesperson for Kelce denounced a document recently posted online that called into question the authenticity of their romance as “entirely false and fabricated.” The document, carrying the title "Comprehensive Media Plan For Travis Kelce’s Relations Following Breakup with Taylor Swift,” was posted on Reddit but has since been deleted. Taylor Swift kicks off UK Eras shows as some fans wonder if singer is ready to say 'So long, London' It was posted about the same time that Kelce appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show,” where he discussed their relationship. “She had just been so open to learning the game,” Kelce said. “I think what makes her so good in her profession is that she’s so detailed in every aspect of it, from the words to her music and even the releases and the music videos and everything. She’s just so detailed and a part of it, that I think she was just curious about the profession.” Kelce even said that Swift had started drawing up some plays for him, though he noted with a smile, "She’s a little biased and just creates plays for me. So we’ll see if they can make coach (Andy) Reid’s office.”

Kicking off the final quarter of the year, Netflix is set to entice its audiences with a dynamic array of new English films and series. While the focus is on horror and thrillers, the lineup will also feature a vibrant touch of romance, action, and adventure genres. In addition to the new releases, there will be new seasons where audiences can look forward to seeing their favorite stars. Let's look at the top 10 Netflix English originals set to grace the OTT (Over-the-Top) this October. Top 10 Netflix English Originals Streaming this October It's What's Inside / Scifi Horror / October 4, 2024 This amazing blend of sci-fi, horror, and thriller is brought to life by Greg Jardin as both director and writer. The mystery film delves into a pre-wedding celebration that spirals into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a cryptic suitcase. Brittany O'Grady, Alycia Debnam-Carey, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Devon Terrell, David W. Thompson, Nina Bloomgarden, and Reina Hardesty round out the cast. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals August 2024 Lineup: Most-hyped Movies, Web Series, Shows William Rosenfeld, Kate Andrews, Jason Baum, and Raul Domingo are the masterminds behind the film's production. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft / Animated Action-adventure / October 10, 2024 Based on Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider video game series, this animated television series features Hayley Atwell lending her voice to Lara Croft. Other voice artists are Allen Maldonado, Richard Armitage, and Earl Baylon. The fantasy series continues the narrative from the 2013 video game reboot trilogy and unfolds after the events of the 2018 game, ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’. Tasha Huo serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Dmitri M. Johnson, Jacob Robinson, Stephan Bugaj, and Howard Bliss. The film excels with DJ2 Entertainment and Legendary Television producing it, and Powerhouse Animation Studios in Austin, Texas, doing the animation work. Read more: Top Hindi Films to Watch: August 2024 Bollywood Releases Outer Banks season 4 part 1 / Teen Adventure / October 10, 2024 This television series, set in a community within the Outer Banks of North Carolina, boasts Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke as its creators. The storyline explores the tension between two teenage factions searching for a lost treasure, highlighting the divide between affluent seasonal residents, ‘Kooks’, and working-class locals, ‘Pogues’. In Season 4, the Pogues create a new sanctuary, ‘Poguelandia 2.0,’ but financial difficulties propel them back into the ‘G’ game for a fresh adventure. Returning series regulars are Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, Carlacia Grant, Austin North, Drew Starkey, and Fiona Palomo. The new faces in Season 4 are Pollyanna McIntosh, J. Anthony Crane, Brianna Brown, Mia Challis, and Rigo Sanchez. Lonely Planet / Romantic Drama / October 11, 2024 Directed and written by Susannah Grant, The drama unfolds at a Moroccan retreat, where a woman's encounter with a young man blossoms into a consuming and transformative love affair. Read more: Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in August 2024 The romance movie stars Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth in the lead roles, supported by Diana Silvers, Adriano Giannini, Rachida Brakni, Ben Youcef, Bellina Logan, and Francesco Martino. ‘Lonely Planet’ is bankrolled by director Grant, Sarah Timberman, and Liza Chasin under the banner of 3dot Productions. The Lincoln Lawyer: Season 3 / Crime Thriller / October 17, 2024 Created by David E. Kelley and developed by Ted Humphrey, This legal drama series draws its inspiration from Michael Connelly's book series of the same name. Season 3 adapts ‘The Gods of Guilt’, the fifth book of the series. Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez serve as the showrunners.  Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, this thriller follows a Los Angeles defense attorney who conducts his practice from a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Navigator. Read more: August 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Top 10 Most-hyped Releases Season 3 welcomes four new cast members- Merrin Dungey, Allyn Moriyon, John Pirruccello, and Philip Anthony-Rodriguez. They’ll star alongside returning cast members Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, DaCosta, Neve Campbell, Elliott Gould, Krista Warner, Fiona Rene, and Devon Graye. In the season, Mickey is approached by a former client in dire need of legal assistance. Despite the client's accusations of murdering a woman Mickey once tried to protect, he agrees to take on the case of Andre La Cosse.

Netizens and entertainment industry professionals were surprised and shocked when screenshots from a WhatsApp group named "Alo Ashbei" came to light. The chat group had some entertainers, politicians and journalists voicing their negative opinions on the student-led Anti-discrimination Movement in July. The student protests began with a demand to reform the quota system for government jobs but coalesced into a full-scale revolt against the former premier Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government. Clashes with security forces, and the deaths that resulted, fueled wider outrage against Hasina's rule, forcing her to resign and leave the country for India on August 5. After the students ousted Hasina, Awami League politicians and campaigners, as well as vocal pro-Awami League artists have gone into hiding. According to reports, actor and former Dhaka-10 lawmaker Ferdous Ahmed and former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat initiated the WhatsApp group "Alo Ashbei", intending to work against the student protests. Pro-Awami League artists and journalists were among the group, alongside other political personalities. Based on the leaks that are circulating on social media platforms since Tuesday, the group included Aruna Biswas, Sohana Saba, Ferdous Ahmed, Rokeya Prachy, Riaz Ahmed, Suborna Mustafa, Azizul Hakim, Badrul Anam Saud, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Zayed Khan, Shomi Kaiser, Tanvin Sweety, former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, former Shilapakala DG Liaquat Ali Lucky, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Jyotika Jyoti, Shamima Tusty, Jamshed Shamim, Urmila Srabanti Kar, Zinat Sanu Swagata, Mamunur Rashid, Ebert Khan, Sazu Khadem, Hridi Haq, Ashraf Kabir, Deepanwita Martin, former MP Hasan Mahmud, Symon Sadik, Jewel Mahmud, Harunur Rashid, Jhuna Chowdhury, Syed Aulad, Said Khan, Sakhawat Mun, Smaran Saha, Sayem Samad, Rafiq (of 'Rojonigondha'), Shakil (Deshnatok), Shahid Alamgir, Nuna Afroz, Sangeeta Mekhal, Syeda Shahanur, Md Shahadat Hossain, Nahid, Milon, Pronil, S A Haque Olike, Runi, Rubel Shankar, Rajibul Islam Rajib, and journalists Khan Jehad and Limon Ahmed. A total of 160 screenshots of that WhatsApp chat have been leaked, in which some of the aforementioned artists were seen sharing explosive remarks, in contrast to their public image. Some of them have been criticised during the protests for their activities in support of the now ousted regime. However, netizens and celebrities have been surprised to see the remarks, such as a controversial comment made by actress and former Censor Board member Aruna Biswas who seemed to suggest "Pour hot water on them," indicating the protesting students. She later clarified to The Daily Star that her comment was misinterpreted and that she was referring to those responsible for the vandalism, whom she claimed were members of "Jamaat-Shibir". Several other group members, such as actress Sohana Saba and journalist Limon Ahmed, to name a few, were seen throwing negative remarks towards director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who has been an ardent supporter of the movement and regularly expressed his thoughts on social platforms. Other distasteful remarks were seen in that WhatsApp group against a number of artists who publicly demonstrated their support towards the student-led movement, and the leaked conversations have ignited a widespread backlash within the entertainment arena and social platforms, sparking intense debate and criticism against the AL government-favoured artists in the group.

Bangladesh Association of AdFilm and Content Producers (BAAcP) announced an indefinite strike, effective from September 1, 2024, against advertising agencies and clients working with production companies. In a recent Facebook post, the organization stated that despite ongoing negotiations, key issues remain unresolved, including settlement of previous dues, timely work orders, 75% advance payment and remaining 25% payment within 45 days of billing. "As Bangladesh undergoes widespread reforms, it is high time to reform our industry as well," Bangladesh Association of AdFilm and Content Producers said on its Facebook post, specifying the initiative. Other associations such as Advertising & Filmmakers Association (ADFA), Bangladesh Alliance of Cinematographers (BAC), Post Productions Association of Bangladesh (PAB), Art Directors & Costume Designers Association of Bangladesh, BAAMS, makeup, production managers, light, camera, casting directors and set builders are united with BAAcP in this journey and supporting this strike, the post stated. The organization called upon all members to stand united in their effort to secure the essential rights and continue the advocacy until they are achieved. BAAcP is an association that represents the interests of production companies, producers, and stakeholders in the audiovisual industry, including commercials, fiction, nonfiction, and other content forms.  

Showcasing a remarkable collection of political cartoons, the much-acclaimed exhibition ‘Cartoon E Birdroho’ wrapped up on Saturday at the DrikPath Bhaban in the capital. From August 16, the exhibition showcased a well-curated collection of 175 artworks by 82 cartoonists, capturing the spirit and significant incidents of the student-led anti-discriminatory movement, leading to the Hasina regime’s eventual fall on August 5. The July massacre, the youth-led mass movement, the strength of their voices, and their unwavering spirit were all memorialized in this unique exhibition, jointly organized by Earki, Drik, and the Bangladesh Cartoonist Association.

The suspects in the foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna earlier this month sought to kill “tens of thousands” of fans before the CIA discovered intelligence that disrupted the planning and led to arrests, the agency's deputy director said. The CIA notified Austrian authorities of the scheme, which allegedly included links to the Islamic State group. The intelligence and subsequent arrests ultimately led to the cancellation of three sold-out Eras Tour shows, devastating fans who had traveled across the globe to see Swift in concert. CIA Deputy Director David Cohen addressed the failed plot during the annual Intelligence and National Security Summit, held this week in Maryland. Taylor Swift's Eras tour returns in London, with assist from Ed Sheeran, after foiled terror plot “They were plotting to kill a huge number — tens of thousands of people at this concert, including I am sure many Americans — and were quite advanced in this," Cohen said Wednesday. “The Austrians were able to make those arrests because the agency and our partners in the intelligence community provided them information about what this ISIS-connected group was planning to do.” Austrian officials said the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian man, was inspired by the Islamic State group. He allegedly planned to attack outside the stadium, where upwards of 30,000 fans were expected to gather, with knives or homemade explosives. Another 65,000 fans were likely to be inside the venue. Investigators discovered chemical substances and technical devices during a raid of the suspect's home. Austria’s interior minister, Gerhard Karner, previously said help from other intelligence agencies was needed because Austrian investigators, unlike some foreign services, can’t legally monitor text messages. The 19-year-old’s lawyer has said the allegations were “overacting at its best,” and contended Austrian authorities were “presenting this exaggeratedly” in order to get new surveillance powers. Swift broke her silence about the cancellations last week after her London shows had concluded. “Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating,” she wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows.” Taylor Swift kicks off UK Eras shows as some fans wonder if singer is ready to say 'So long, London' She thanked authorities — “thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she wrote — and said she waited to speak until the European leg of her Eras Tour concluded to prioritize safety. “Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows,” she wrote. Concert organizer Barracuda Music said it canceled the three-night Vienna run that would have begun Aug. 8 because the arrests made in connection to the conspiracy were too close to showtime. The main suspect and a 17-year-old were taken into custody on Aug. 6, the day before the cancellations were announced. A third suspect, 18, was arrested Aug. 8. Their names have not been released in line with Austrian privacy rules. The shows in London, the next stop after Vienna, came on the heels of a stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class that left three little girls dead in the U.K. In a statement issued after the Southport attack, Swift said she was “just completely in shock” and “at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.” News outlets reported that Swift met with some of the survivors backstage in London. The Vienna plot also drew comparisons to a 2017 attack by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that killed 22 people. The bomb detonated at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving, becoming the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years. Cohen on Wednesday praised the CIA's work in preventing the planned violence, saying that other counterterrorism “successes” in foiling plots typically go unheralded. Taylor Swift fan dies at Rio concert as fans complain about high temperatures and lack of water “I can tell you within my agency, and I'm sure in others, there were people who thought that was a really good day for Langley,” he said, referring to the CIA headquarters. “And not just the Swifties in my workforce.” The record-smashing tour is on hiatus until the fall.  

 Tuesday marks the 48th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, who was unanimously revered as the rebel poet’ and a pioneer for his enormous contributions to Bengali literature. However, even after 52 years of independence and 47 years after his passing, the benevolent poet is yet to be gazetted as the ‘National Poet’ of Bangladesh, pointed out by several Nazrul-Sangeet artists, scholars, and enthusiasts who demanded the declaration of Nazrul as the ‘National Poet’ of the country. Commemorating the life and works of the great poet, people from all walks of life, including his family members, and different educational, social, cultural, and political organisations paid floral tributes to the poet’s tomb beside the Dhaka University central mosque on Tuesday. Different cultural institutions, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Bangla Academy, placed floral wreaths on the poet’s graveyard on Tuesday. Bangla Academy held a seminar and cultural event at the academy in the morning; however, many other cultural institutions, including BSA and Chhayanaut, have been unable to hold commemorative events on the poet’s 48th death anniversary due to the recent flood disaster and the state of reformation in the country. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and different television channels-radio stations are broadcasting special programmes marking the 48th death anniversary of the poet, including drama, musical shows, and discussions. The President of the newly independent republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, invited Kazi Nazrul Islam to settle in Dhaka on May 24, 1972, with the permission of the Government of India. In 1972, the Bangladeshi government announced him as the ‘National Poet’; however, no formal gazette was released in response to the announcement. During his stay in Bangladesh in February 1976, he was conferred Bangladeshi citizenship and an Honorary D.Litt. from the University of Dhaka in 1974, as well as the Ekushey Padak in 1976. Demanding the official gazette on Nazrul’s status as the ‘National Poet’, renowned Nazrul singer Salahuddin Ahmed said, "His status as our ‘National Poet’ is general knowledge; however, no official notification or any other document regarding declaring Kazi Nazrul Islam as the national poet has been found anywhere, which is very shameful for our nation.”  Emphasising the importance of such official recognition, prominent Nazrul singer Ferdous Ara said, “Certifications and official documentation are required to establish any claim. A formal recognition is essential to secure Nazrul’s legacy and status as our great national poet.”Born in Churulia village of Bardhawan in West Bengal, India, in 1899, Kazi Nazrul Islam had a brief 21-year literary career, during which he produced 2,600 songs, 600 poems, three books, and 43 essays, according to the Kabi Nazrul Institute. Within a few years of beginning his military service in the British Army in 1917, Nazrul embarked on his literary career. He wrote his cult classic poetry "Bidrohi" (The Rebel) in 1921 and founded "Dhumketu" (The Comet), a monthly journal, in 1922. Due to his frequent nationalist involvement in the Indian Independence Movement, Nazrul found himself in the clutches of colonial British authorities. Freedom, humanity, love, and revolution are recurring themes throughout Nazrul's remarkable literary creations, and his works later inspired the Bengali netizens during the 1971 liberation war. Nazrul also published short stories, novels, and essays, although his songs and poems have received the most praise from critics. He is renowned for his liberal use of Arabic and Persian terms in his writings and for popularising Bengali Ghazal melodies. He invented his musical genre known as "Nazrul Geeti," which consists of almost 4,000 songs he penned and composed the music for, many of which were released on vinyl and HMV records.When Nazrul was 43 years old and suffering from an unidentified illness, he started to lose his voice and his memory. His condition was later discovered to be "Pick's disease," a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease, by a medical team in Vienna. The revered poet breathed his last on August 29, 1976 (12 Bhadra of Bangla calendar year 1383) at the then PG Hospital (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital), in Dhaka. He was buried with state honour beside the Dhaka University central mosque.