United News of Bangladesh

MIXI, Inc. is proud to announce the latest details regarding the free online event "humy presents: the Charlie Puth Livestream Experience" (available in select regions) to be held on March 25 (UTC) on Charlie Puth's official fan communication platform, humy. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102029/202303143896/_prw_PI2fl_9UBS3556.jpg Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102029/202303143896/_prw_PI3fl_S3Y4Er7K.png   1. Partially live-streamed simultaneously on YouTube The first 10 minutes of the event will be simultaneously streamed live on Charlie Puth's official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/CharliesVlogs ), which has over 21.8 million subscribers (as of March 2023).   2. Involving the audience - Fan-picked setlist The songs performed will be picked by fans through a poll before the event.   - Q&A session Questions from fans that were submitted in advance will be answered during the event. Fans can enjoy interactions with Charlie that cannot be experienced anywhere else.   3. Campaign leading up to the event is underway - 10 lucky winners will get 3-month Premium subscriptions 3-month Premium subscriptions to "humy with Charlie Puth" are to be given to 10 eligible users. Winners will be chosen by lottery.   - How to apply: 1) Follow the official Twitter account (@humyCharlieputh) 2) Sign up for a free humy account 3) Quote the campaign Tweet using the following hashtags: #charlie_cp #humy   Learn more about the campaign below: https://humy.me/en/news/1cba14ed-8ae0-41ae-b482-cd9c85de905e   Event Details - Event name humy presents: the Charlie Puth Livestream Experience - Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3:00 a.m. (UTC) *Due to production concerns, the live stream will begin one hour earlier than previously announced. - Available to anyone with a humy account (registration is free). - Available in select regions   - Event site: https://charlieputh.humy.me/special/1st-livestreaming/en   - How to watch 1) Sign up for free from the event site 2) Access the viewing page from the event site on the day of the event   About Charlie Puth Charlie Puth has proven to be one of the industry's most consistent hitmakers and sought-after collaborators. Puth has amassed eight multi-platinum singles, four GRAMMY nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, a Critic's Choice Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. His 2018 GRAMMY-nominated LP, Voicenotes, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) only four days after its release and has logged over 5.6 billion streams worldwide. Recently, Puth released his highly anticipated third studio album CHARLIE via Atlantic Records. Featuring hit singles "Left and Right (feat. Jung Kook of BTS)," "That's Hilarious" and "Light Switch," the "expertly crafted collection" (from Rolling Stone magazine) has surpassed 1 billion global streams and received critical praise around the world. Following the release of CHARLIE, Puth set out for his "One Night Only" tour, welcoming fans around the world up close and personal as he shares his latest album and his greatest hits. In 2020, Puth's collaboration with Gabby Barrett on their "I Hope" remix earned him his fourth top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100, hit number one on the Billboard "Adult Pop Songs" chart, and won a 2021 Billboard Music Award for "Top Collaboration." Puth also co-wrote and produced The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber's record-breaking single, "STAY," which quickly became one of the biggest songs of 2021 and holds the title for the longest-reigning No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and the first to lead it for double-digits -- spending a total of 11 weeks at the top of the chart.   About humy humy is a communication platform where users can enjoy exclusive artists' content as well as two-way communication between artists and fans by purchasing a subscription. The service can be used with a web browser. Those who sign up for free can view, comment on, and like a portion of the exclusive content.   humy Overview Service name: humy Genre: Fan communication platform Membership fee: - Registration is free. - Premium plan: $100.00 (USD) per year Availability: Available in over 150 countries How to use: Search for "humy" on your web browser or go to https://charlieputh.humy.me/en About MIXI, Inc. ( https://mixi.co.jp/en ) With the purpose of enriching communication and inspiring moments of joy, MIXI is committed to providing enjoyable communication services for friends and families, including mixi, MONSTER STRIKE, FamilyAlbum, and TIPSTAR. The company places "User Surprise First" at its core and focuses on promoting deep and meaningful connections rather than simply increasing the quantity and frequency of communication. Through this endeavor, the company believes it inspires deeper and richer communication in the world. Source: MIXI, Inc.

Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan has filed another case against film producer Rahmat Ullah under the Digital Security Act. Judge AM Zulfiqar Hayat of the Cyber Tribunal in Dhaka on Monday, ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report on June 6 after taking Shakib’s statement. Shakib’s lawyer Khairul Hasan said Shakib Khan came to the court around 1:45 pm to file a case. Then he went to court to give a statement. On March 23, Shakib filed a case with the CMM court against Rahmat Ullah on charges of murder attempt and extortion. The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Arfatul Rakib recorded his statement and summoned Rahmat Ullah to appear before the court on April 26. Read: I was blamed even though I did nothing wrong: Shakib Khan Later Shakib Khan then went to the Cyber Tribunal in Dhaka to file a case under the Digital Security Act. However, he could not file the case on that day as the time to file the case had passed. The judge asked him to come to court today. Earlier on March 19, Shakib went to the Detective Branch (DB) office of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and filed a written complaint against Rahmat Ullah who brought a rape allegation against him. On March 15, Rahmat Ullah filed a written complaint against the actor in the Bangladesh Film Artists Association, accusing him of sexual misconduct and raping an Australian woman, a co-producer of the film "Operation Agneepath".    

 `Benuka’ has been awarded as the best OTT Music Show in the TRAB (Television Reporters Association of Bangladesh) Musical Award-2022. TRAB Musical Award program was held at the Capital's Dhaka Club on Wednesday. The program was sponsored by the VISTA android TV. The winners were awarded with a colorful music fest. Uday Hakim received the award as the planner and presenter of Benuka. The award was handed over by the TRAB president Salam Mahmud. Prominent Singer Ferdous Ara, prominent journalist leader Molla Jalal, general secretary of national press club Shamal Dutta and many others were also present at the program.

Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan said that the rape allegation brought against him by producer Rahmat Ullah was nothing but a trap made to humiliate him. Shakib said this in a press conference at his residence in the capital's Gulshan on Thursday afternoon. "I have seen that various news media published these types of news without verifying it. If someone introduces him as a producer and he accuses me of raping someone without verifying the news, is it logical to publish it," he asked.  “But asking the producers’ association would have been great to know whether he is really a producer or not," Shakib said.  The actor said "I also have a family. When they heard this type of news, I lost the ability to hold my head high while standing in front of them. They were very worried about me. I was wronged even though I did nothing wrong," Shakib explained. "I have gone to the DB office regarding the complaints and talked to the DB chief. Even I went to the court just because to fight against injustice." The Dhallywood star also said that everything will be revealed through the investigation.  

Actor Afran Nisho is debuting in Bangla cinema with “Surongo”. Shooting of “Surongo”, directed by Raihan Rafi, started in the first week of March. Toma Mirza will be seen opposite to Nisho in the film. "The initial work experience is always different," Nisho told UNB about his ongoing experience in the first film. “Moreover, as it is a film learning many things before acting . The shooting took place in remote area of Sunamganj in Sylhet. Everyone is finding it tough to stay and eat. Nevertheless, the director of the film did not allow any of these impressions to display onscreen." "This is my first collaboration with Rafi. I always try to work comfortably with the director. That's why we had a lot of discussions and understanding. The audience will see the hard work on screen,” he added.

Two-time Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks was named the principal speaker at Harvard’s commencement on May 25, the Ivy League university announced Tuesday. Hanks, 66, has appeared in almost 100 films. Nominated for an Oscar six times, he won best actor for “Philadelphia” in 1993 and “Forrest Gump” the following year. Harvard President Lawrence Bacow called Hanks “a true master of his craft.” “In addition to his brilliance as an actor, Tom has demonstrated both an innate empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition,” Bacow said in a statement. “He has contributed to our national culture and expanded our ability to appreciate stories and histories that have been previously unexamined.” Recent Harvard commencement speakers included former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. A comedic actor early in his career, Hanks transitioned seamlessly to dramatic roles, from his breakout performance in 1988′s comedy “Big” to “Saving Private Ryan,” “Apollo 13,” and “Captain Phillips.” He voiced the character Woody in the “Toy Story” animated films and voiced several characters in 2004′s “The Polar Express” animated film.He produced several projects exploring U.S. history including “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” and “John Adams.” He’s also known for his philanthropic work and advocacy, raising support for the national World War II Memorial in Washington and serving as campaign chair for Hidden Heroes, increasing awareness around issues faced by caregivers who work with veterans. Following his performance in “Philadelphia” as a lawyer with AIDS, Hanks became an advocate for AIDS awareness and supporter of The Foundation for AIDS Research and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. His other accolades include the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2014. President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Three leading film societies chose to abstain from the Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh (FFSB)'s golden jubilee celebration event which was held on Sunday at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Zahir Raihan Film Society and Jahangirnagar Cine Society, two film societies affiliated with Jahangirnagar University, as well as Jagannath University Cinema Society, a member of the FFSB, boycotted the ceremony once it emerged that the Bashundhara Group was one of the sponsors of the event. In a joint statement signed by its president Nafis Mahmud and general secretary Bhabna Mukherjee, the Jahangirnagar Cine Society announced its decision to abstain from the ceremony, stating that the celebration event lost its moral position due to taking sponsorship from such an entity. They expressed their disappointment and sadness at learning that Bashundhara Group was the sponsor, as the allegation of the rape and murder of college student Mosarat Jahan Munia against Bashundhara Group managing director Sayem Sobhan Anvir is listed as one of the most talked-about topics in recent times. In a joint statement, Moutusi Zubaida Rahman and Rifat Khan Anik, the president and general secretary of the Zahir Raihan Film Society, made clear their intention to boycott the FFSB's event, expressing similar disappointment. In fact the society named after Bangladesh's pioneering filmmaker was the first to boycott on these grounds. The Jagannath University Film Society stated in its boycott statement that the FFSB could not maintain its moral stance "while accepting funding from the Bashundhara group and Anvir"; however, it also stated that it would participate in FFSB events in the future if it could regain its moral stance. Despite these three associations’ boycotting, FFSB held its celebration event at BSA’s National Theatre Hall on Sunday, which was joined by Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud as the chief guest. Regarding the decision of the three film societies over the sponsorship, FFSB general secretary Belayat Hossain Mamun said that FFSB approached many for sponsorship as it needed funds to organise such a big event and Bashundhara Group stepped forward with sponsorship. The members of FFSB have the right to take their decisions and FFSB welcomes their stances, he said. In the event, the 'Best Film Council of Six Decades Award' was given to the selected film councils out of hundreds of film councils for their special contribution to the excellence of the country's film culture, including the Zahir Raihan Film Society. On April 26, 2021, police recovered the hanging body of Munia from a flat in the capital's Gulshan area. Munia's elder sister, Nusrat Jahan Tania, filed a case against Anvir that night accusing him of incitement to suicide, stating that Munia was in a relationship with Anvir who regularly visited her at the Gulshan apartment. The police however, in September 2021 saidt hat it has not found any evidence against Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir and eight other accused in college student Mosarat Jahan Munia rape and murder case. Later however a rape and murder case was filed against Anvir at the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, which appointed the PBI to investigate. However PBI has been unable to submit the investigation report as yet.

The live performance of the high energy “Naatu Naatu”, from the Indian blockbuster “RRR”, received a standing ovation at the Oscars. The song, that went viral worldwide, is the first song from an Indian film to win an Oscar.  Despite all the positivity surrounding the song, the live performance at the award show has been called out as many netizens pointed out that “none of the dancers were of Indian descent”. International media have identified the two men who danced the key roles — played in the film by South Indian actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR — as Billy Mustapha and Jason Glover, who are Canadian and American, respectively, reports NDTV. Several netizens have openly criticized this, stating that using non-South Asian dancers weakens the song's anti-colonial message in the film, set in pre-independence India. Read More: Oscars 2023: Vogue misidentifies Deepika Padukone as Camila Alves Bollywood star Deepika Padukone introduced the thrilling performance of “Naatu Naatu” at the Oscars, which was sung live by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, the singers behind the now worldwide popular number. The authenticity ended there, said many, as none of the dancers appeared to be South Asian, yet were misidentified as such.  Although Indian audiences enthusiastically enjoyed the performance, which was undeniably exciting and a highlight of the Oscars event, the South Asian community in the United States protested the lack of representation. "The Oscars Naatu Naatu performance was meant to have been a tremendous celebration of pride for all of us, and yet we were left feeling empty-handed and rejected," US-based dancer Joya Nandy Kazi wrote on Instagram. Read More: This is how Oscar winners are decided “Two brown passing guys sang a song about colonialism with lyrics that said no dance is as wonderful as a villager's dance. They were fantastic, but why weren't two skilled dancers from our own community selected as leads with a mostly South Asian ensemble?” — Joya asked. “The colonists are the butt of the joke of this song, and trying to replicate the movie scenario even with a bunch of men who should represent the natives as anything other than South Asian leaves me balancing between being stunned and smiling at the absurdity. We need to do better," she said. Shivani Reddy, a Telugu-American film critic, told CBS News, “It just felt very exclusionary that the one race they didn't include was the one that was supposed to be represented because of the film and where it's from…It's unfortunate because there are so many South Asian dancers that I know that are in the industry trying to get into those spaces that just don't get afforded those opportunities. And for the one time that we maybe could have gotten access, we were denied.” Raj Kapoor, Oscars producer, said in an interview that the initial intention was for lead actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR to dance to “Naatu Naatu”, overseen by “RRR” choreographer Prem Rakshith.  Read More: First Indian film song to win Oscar: ‘Natu Natu’ from ‘RRR’ makes history “In late February, we were informed that Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr would be attending the Oscars, but they did not feel comfortable performing the live number on stage. The change was brought on because of their other professional commitments and the limited amount of time to rehearse,” Kapoor stated. “Naatu Naatu”, from SS Rajamouli's mega hit “RRR”, won the Oscar for Best Original Song, beating out Lady Gaga's “Hold My Hand” and Rihanna's “Raise Me Up”, among others.

The 9th Edition of World Art Dubai 2023 was held at the Dubai World Trade Center from March 9 to 12, and for the second time, four Bangladeshi self-taught artists participated in the event. Artist Mahfuzur Rahman, Moonstasir Haque Moon, Kadizatul Qubra and Masuka Nourin Heya participated in this event under Mahfuz Canvas, which collaborated with Dubai-based Funun Arts under the patronage of Mahfuz Canvas’s founder Mahfuzur Rahman and Funun Arts’s founder Shiba Khan and Farah Khan. The goal of the event was to give established and new artists a place to show off their work and give collectors and art admirers easy access to affordable art. The event, comprised of an art fair, also featured workshops, live performances, and talks on a variety of art topics. Mahfuzur Rahman was the first Bangladeshi artist to be chosen to represent the country at World Art Dubai in 2022. “Artists from Bangladesh are gaining international recognition and showcasing their unique styles and works alongside artists from around the world, through such events. This is a significant accomplishment and evidence of Bangladeshi artists’ growing presence on the international art scene,” Rahman told UNB.  

A Romanian court on Tuesday rejected a bail request from the divisive social media influencer and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate who is detained in the country on suspicion of organized crime and human trafficking, an official said. Tate, 36, a British-U.S. citizen who has 5.3 million Twitter followers, was initially detained in late December in Romania’s capital Bucharest, along with his brother Tristan, and two Romanian women. None of the four has yet been formally charged in the case. After a morning hearing Tuesday at the Bucharest Tribunal, a judge rejected Tate’s bail request, said Ramona Bolla, a spokesperson for Romania’s anti-organized crime agency DIICOT. It is not clear what bail conditions were proposed by Tate’s legal team. In Romania, it is rare for defendants under preventative arrest for serious crimes to request posting bail. More common are requests to be placed under other judicial conditions such as house arrest or geographical restrictions. The court’s decision comes after the Tate brothers lost an appeal last month against a judge’s Feb. 21 ruling to extend their arrest for a third time for 30 days. It was the third separate appeal they lost against decisions to extend their detention while investigations continue. A January court document explaining a previous arrest extension noted “the possibility of them evading investigations cannot be ignored,” and said they could “leave Romania and settle in countries that do not allow extradition.” Tate will remain in detention until at least Mar. 29. Before Tuesday's court decision, a post appeared on Andrew Tate’s Twitter account, that read: “If you want a life people will aspire for, you’ll need to be prepared to defend it.” Tate, who has lived in Romania since 2017, was previously banned from various social media platforms for expressing misogynistic views and hate speech. He has repeatedly claimed Romanian prosecutors have no evidence and alleged their case is a “political” conspiracy designed to silence him. DIICOT said in a statement after the December arrests that it had identified six victims in the human trafficking case who were allegedly subjected to “acts of physical violence and mental coercion” and sexually exploited by members of the alleged crime group. The agency said victims were lured with pretenses of love and later intimidated, placed under surveillance and subjected to other control tactics while being coerced into engaging in pornographic acts for the financial gain of the crime group. End/UNB/AP/MB