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In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, praised the enthusiastic participation of Chattogram's youth in making the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 an extraordinary success.  From his verified Facebook profile, Hamid, trustee of CRI, expressed, "Immense thanks to the youth of Chattogram for their unprecedented celebration and discipline in making the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 a success.” He also extended his congratulations to the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) and the Young Bangla team for their diligent efforts and exceptional organization of the event. The concert, held at Chattogram's MA Aziz Stadium on Thursday, attracted an unparalleled audience, celebrating the spirit of Bangladesh's Liberation War and the historic March 7 speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  This year's gathering saw an impressive turnout of over 60,000 attendees on-site, with millions more joining through television and social media platforms, reinforcing the profound resonance of Bangabandhu's legacy and the collective resolve it inspires. For the first time, the event, orchestrated by CRI's youth platform Young Bangla, was hosted outside the capital city, Dhaka, choosing Chattogram to commemorate Bangabandhu's momentous March 7 speech. The choice of location brought a fresh vibrancy to the event, connecting more directly with the youth of the port city. The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying, with chants of "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu" echoing as thousands of young voices sang in unison, underscoring the unity and patriotic fervor among the attendees. Performances included inspirational songs from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, pivotal in the nation's fight for independence, alongside hits from nine popular bands — Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz and Carnival. Spanning from 3 pm to nearly midnight, the concert was not merely a musical festivity but a profound manifestation of national pride. Distinguished guests included CRI Trustee Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, and ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, alongside several members of parliament, all coming together to witness this grand celebration of Bangladesh's indomitable spirit.

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has stated that fellow Irishman and Oscar contender Cillian Murphy would make a "magnificent" 007. "Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty's Secret Service," Brosnan told the BBC. According to reports, Murphy might be in the running; however there have always been whispers about who could play Bond next. Brosnan was speaking at the annual Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles, which honour Irish creative brilliance, reports BBC. Murphy is expected to win best actor at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday for his portrayal in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals in March 2024: List of New Shows and Movies He stated that he had not heard the Bond speculations and that he had not given any attention to perhaps winning the Academy Award: "I just want to go in and have a good time." He faces up against Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Bradley Cooper (Maestro), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), said the report. Murphy also spoke about his 16-year-old son Aran, who will make his cinematic debut in Taika Waititi's Klara And The Sun. "I'm very proud of him, he's a great actor," he told reporters on the Irish-themed green carpet, adding that Aran did not need his father's instruction. Brosnan said he was "greatly honoured" to receive an Oscar Wilde award for his achievements to the cinema and television industries. He hailed the "kinship" between Ireland and America, saying he arrived to the US in 1982 "on a wing and a prayer... and then got a job, [on the drama series] Remington Steele". Read more: Prince Harry, Britney Spears’ memoirs shortlisted for British Book Awards

Coke Studio Bangla, which has become one of the leading music platforms in the country since its inception, has brought out many popular songs in its two seasons while putting the spotlight on women singers from remote areas who have now become national stars through their own merits. Marking the occasion of this year’s International Women's Day, the platform highlights the stories of its three most popular women artists with utmost priority, who became fan favourites after its acclaimed season two. For decades, the music of Bangladesh has been enriched by the melodies of countless talented singers, many of whom remain unknown to mainstream media and audiences, but celebrated in their local communities. Radwan Mujib joins youths at Joy Bangla Concert in Chattogram Aleya Begum, a folk singer popularly known as “Baul Mata” with a five-decades-long career, has been primarily recognized for singing songs of different genres including ‘Bichhed,’ ‘Palagan,’ ‘Zarigan,’ and spiritual, while writing over 1000 songs and was featured in famous movies such as ‘Gunin’. Despite her vast experience with music, she was mostly popular among her inner circle and a big name in her region. Her soul-touching performance in Coke Studio Bangla season two's smashing hit track "Kotha Koiyo Na'' propelled her to the mainstream media and made her one of the most talked about folk singers among music lovers. Overnight, she went on to become a national sensation through the song which not only introduced Aleya to the new generation but also highlighted the rich heritage of Bangladeshi folk music. Similarly, Hamida Banu, a folk artist from Sylhet, did not have any prior experience of performing music professionally. She has been known by the legendary folk icon Hason Raja's family for a long time and has a deep connection with the heritage of Hason Raja. Making her debut with the song "Dilaram" in Coke Studio Bangla season 2, she captivated everyone with her beautiful and soothing voice, where her soulful rendition breathed new life into the song. A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium Much like Aleya, Hamida Banu shot to fame among the newer generation, leading them to discover and realize the marvel at the depth of the talent scattered in the many corners of Bangladesh. Similarly, another rural talent Jahura Baul left her mark on audiences’ hearts with her powerful and enticing voice in season two’s another popular song “BonoBibi”. A respected member of her community and an idol for women artists, her influence over other rural women artists was reflected in the song’s presentation, in which the baul group of women whom she conducted, flourished and captivated audiences. Even though Aleya Begum was accompanied by actor-singer Arfan Mredha Shiblu and popular musician-music director Emon Chowdhury, Hamida Banu was complemented by popular singer and CSB producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Johura Baul and her team shared the stage with the magnificent Meghdol, they created their own spaces inside the mind of the audiences. 12 people honoured with Dhaka Cultural Organization’s 'Success Award-2024' These stories align deeply with the theme of this year's Women's Day, "Inspiring Inclusion," according to Coke Studio Bangla. This inclusivity not only empowers these women but also inspires others, demonstrating that talent and passion can shine brightly regardless of background or previous recognition, the platform states while emphasising that their stories serve as a powerful reminder that inclusion and empowerment can unlock a multitude of voices, enriching not only the music industry but also the cultural diversity of Bangladesh.  

The port city of Chattogram is currently buzzing with the spirit of youth as it hosts the Joy Bangla Concert, organized to commemorate the historic speech delivered by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971. Adding to the fervor, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Center for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan Mujib Siddiq, has joined the vibrant crowd at the MA Aziz Stadium to enjoy the concert alongside the nation's youth. The event, which started at 3 pm on Thursday at the MA Aziz Stadium, features performances from a total of nine bands, including Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz and Carnival. This marks the first time the Joy Bangla Concert has been held outside of its traditional venue at Dhaka's Army Stadium, aiming to connect the current generation with the historic day that resonates deeply with Bangladesh's fight for independence. A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium Radwan Mujib Siddiq's initiatives, such as the graphic novel "Mujib," have played a significant role in introducing the life and legacy of Bangabandhu to children and youths. This innovative approach to storytelling has brought Bangabandhu's unfinished autobiography and the tumultuous events of his life to a new audience in a format that is a first of its kind in Bangladesh. Radwan is also behind popular initiatives such as the "Joy Bangla Youth Award," which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of young individuals towards nation-building. Moreover, his involvement in the production of the docudrama "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale" sheds light on the struggles faced by Bangabandhu's daughters following his assassination, further enriching the political narrative of Bangladesh's history. Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths A graduate in Government and History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he also completed his postgraduate studies in Comparative Politics, Radwan Mujib is deeply involved in empowering and inspiring the youth through various CRI initiatives, including Joy Bangla Concert, Policy Café, and Let's Talk. As the chief editor of the policy-making magazine WhiteBoard published by CRI, Radwan continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policy discussions and engaging the youth in the development discourse of Bangladesh. His presence at the Joy Bangla Concert underscores the event's significance in fostering a sense of unity and pride among the country's youth, echoing the historic "Joy Bangla" slogan that united a nation in its fight for freedom. Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage

For the first time outside Dhaka, the Joy Bangla Concert is being held in the port city of Chattogram at the MA Aziz Stadium, echoing the spirits of unity and remembrance. The evening showcased a colorful video of the historic March 7, 1971, speech by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, captivating the young generation once more with his powerful words. As Bangabandhu's speech concluded, the sky above was lit with an array of fireworks. Following this vibrant display, all attendees, in unison with the concert's host, proclaimed, "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu," filling the air with a sense of patriotism and pride. Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths The concert commenced at 3 pm on Thursday, featuring a lineup of nine local bands: Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz, and Carnival. This marked a significant shift from the concert's traditional venue, aiming to connect the current generation with the historic significance of this day. Avoid Rafa took the stage at around 5:20 pm, thrilling the audience with their rendition of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's song "Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam," a rallying cry broadcasted during the Liberation War from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. Following their opening number, the band continued to energize the crowd with a series of their most popular songs. This year's Joy Bangla Concert not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu's March 7 speech, recognized as one of the greatest speeches globally, but also reinforced the "Joy Bangla" slogan that unified the people in their struggle for independence in 1971. Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage Adding to the fervor, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Center for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan Mujib Siddiq, joined the vibrant crowd at the MA Aziz Stadium to enjoy the concert alongside the nation's youth. Radwan Mujib Siddiq's initiatives, such as the graphic novel "Mujib," have played a significant role in introducing the life and legacy of Bangabandhu to children and youths. He is also behind popular initiatives such as the "Joy Bangla Youth Award," which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of young individuals towards nation-building. Moreover, his involvement in the production of the docudrama "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale" sheds light on the struggles faced by Bangabandhu's daughters following his assassination, further enriching the political narrative of Bangladesh's history. Ctg set for a historic March 7 celebration as gates open to Joy Bangla Concert 2024

The Dhaka Cultural Organization hosted the 'Success Award-2024' ceremony to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of individuals across various sectors, including film, music, journalism, and business. Former Army Chief Lieutenant General (Retd) Mohammed Harun-Ar-Rashid inaugurated the programme on Tuesday night (March 5) by presenting the lifetime achievement award to noted film actress Anjana Sultana, recognising her contribution to the Bangladesh film industry. UNB's Special Correspondent Muhammed Abdur Rahman Jahangir was honoured as one of the recipients of the 'Success Award-2024' for his significant contributions to journalism in Bangladesh spanning nearly two decades. He was presented the award by actress Anjana Sultana and popular film actor Joy Chowdhury.

In celebration of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s  historic March 7 speech, Chattogram is set to host Joy Bangla Concert 2024 tomorrow. This event, eagerly anticipated by organisers and music lovers alike, marks a first for the port city, transitioning from its traditional venue in Dhaka's Army Stadium. Under the supervision of the Chattogram district administration and the Metropolitan Police (CMP), the MA Aziz Stadium is being prepared to welcome the crowds and artists for this grand musical event. The preparations are in their final stages, ensuring a seamless experience for the attendees. This year's concert lineup includes renowned bands such as Artcell, Nemesis, Chirkutt, among others, promising a memorable experience for music enthusiasts.  For the first time in its history, the Joy Bangla Concert will take place outside Dhaka, in response to the long-standing requests from the youth for a concert in their region. This move to Chattogram’s MA Aziz Stadium has been warmly received, with local youths expressing their anticipation and excitement for the event. Young Bangla has made a unique call for registrations in the local Chatgaiyya dialect, inviting attendees to sign up for free through their official Facebook page or website: https://ticket.youngbangla.org/ Registration requires national identification, passport or birth certificate details, along with contact information. Tonmoy Ahmed, coordinator of Awami League's web team, highlighted the significance of the concert being held in Chattogram on March 7, 2024, fulfilling the youth's desire for an event in their city. Young Bangla's promotional activities and official announcements have successfully drummed up enthusiasm among the youth, promising an event filled with passion and national pride. Since its inception in 2015, the Joy Bangla Concert has been a pivotal platform for youth engagement and celebration of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, organised by the Center for Research and Information (CRI).  Despite a hiatus during the 2021-2022 pandemic, the concert's return symbolised a resurgence of national spirit and unity under the "Joy Bangla" slogan, echoing the call for unity from the Liberation War era.

Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute presented a unique night of music on Saturday (March 2) at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, organizing an enthralling session of Santoor and Tabla. At the event, Santoor and Tabla accompaniment was performed by two young talented artists from India - Anannya Bagh and Rahul Chatterjee. The audience who joined the event was immersed in the magic of the melody of Anyanya Bagh's Santoor and Rahul Chatterjee's Tabla accompaniment, drifting the music lovers into a whole new world. Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute was present as the chief guest on this musical night, which was also joined by Shaheen Samad, the Ekushey Padak winner music artist and freedom fighter, as the special guest. Professor Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman, Advisor of Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and former teacher of Dhaka University delivered the welcome speech at the event. “Rewaz Performing and Arts Society always wants the development of music practice in the country. We are organizing this event to encourage those involved in the classical music practice of the country and to exchange ideas and experiences between the artists of the two countries,” Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman said. Santoor is a popular stringed instrument used in classical music and a famous local musical instrument of Jammu and Kashmir, India; but it originally came from Persia. Although this instrument is very popular in India, the practice of santoor is very few in Bangladesh. “This particular instrument is practised by very few people, among them women artists are even less. Anyanya Bagh is one of the few artists who are currently practising santoor in the subcontinent, and Rahul Chatterjee is one of India's brightest stars who is known for his unique playing style,” he added. Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute thanked Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for joining them in organizing the event. He reiterated his commitment to continue any cooperation to encourage music practice in the future. Shaheen Samad expressed his admiration for Santoor and Tabla's accompaniment and praised Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for playing a significant role in the cultural scene of the country.

Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest, organized by WebAble Digital, has recently electrified the ICCB Expo Zone in the capital with an unforgettable night of music and entertainment. The event, held on Friday, March 1st, brought together music enthusiasts from across the region for an evening of stellar performances by some of the most renowned artists. Headlining the event was the Indian sensation Badshah, whose energetic performance captivated the audience and set the stage on fire. Joining him were acclaimed Bangladeshi artists Fuad & Friends, Pritom Hasan, Xefer, Sanjoy, and Blackzang, who each delivered electrifying sets, showcasing their immense talent. The venue buzzed with excitement as attendees packed the ICCB Expo Zone to capacity, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsated with energy throughout the night. Despite the large turnout, security measures were meticulously implemented, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The event concluded on a high note, with attendees raving about the outstanding performances and seamless organization. From start to finish, the Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest delivered an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come. The organizer of the event, WebAble Digital, is a leading digital marketing agency committed to creating impactful experiences and driving meaningful connections through innovative digital solutions. With a focus on creativity, technology, and data-driven strategies, WebAble Digital empowers brands to reach their full potential in the digital landscape.

What happens when the son of Asia's richest man is about to get married? His father throws a three-day prenuptial bash four months before the actual ceremony. Tycoons from around the world, heads of state, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood stars descended on the small western Indian city of Jamnagar on Friday where billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani is kickstarting a big fat wedding celebration for his youngest son. The nearly 1,200-person guest list includes pop superstar Rihanna, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Sunder Picha, Ivanka Trump and Bollywood celebrity Shah Rukh Khan. Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102 All eyes are on Anant Ambani, 28, and his long-time girlfriend Radhika Merchant, 29, who will tie the know in July. Radhika is the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant. Such festivities keep up with the Ambani family's tradition of lavish and over-the-top parties while displaying the Indian billionaire’s economic and political clout Here is everything you need to know about the family and the prenuptial bash that captivated the country. Who is Mukesh Ambani?Mukesh Ambani, 66, is currently the world’s 10th richest man with a net worth of $115bn, according to Forbes. He is also the richest person in Asia. His Reliance Industries is a massive conglomerate, reporting over $100 billion in annual revenue, with interests ranging from petrochemicals, and oil and gas to telecoms and retail. Under Ambani’s leadership, Reliance — founded by his father in 1966 — sparked a telecom price war with the launch of the 4G phone and broadband service Jio in 2016. Today, it has more than 420 million subscribers and offers 5G services. Earlier this week, Disney struck an $8.5bn deal to merge its India business with Ambani’s Reliance Industries, forming a new media giant. The Ambani family owns, among other assets, a 27-storey private apartment building, named Antila, worth $1 billion in Mumbai. It has three helipads, a 160-car garage, a private movie theatre, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Ambani’s critics say his company has flourished mainly because of political connections during the Congress governments in the 1970s and 80s and subsequently under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014. They say “crony capitalism” in India has helped certain corporations, such as Ambani's, thrive. Mukesh Ambani, 66, has started passing the torch to his two sons and daughter. The oldest son, Akash Ambani, is now chairperson of Reliance Jio; his daughter, Isha, oversees retail; and the youngest, Anant — who will wed in July— has been inducted into the new energy business.