United News of Bangladesh

The much-anticipated Coke Studio Bangla is set to return with its third season Saturday promising another round of musical fusions, vibrant performances and surprises. The digital-first platform, launched by The Coca-Cola Company, has already released three chart-topping tracks this season, the latest being a reimagined version of the Warfaze classic 'Obak Bhalobasha'. Audiences can look forward to six more songs in the coming months, featuring both celebrated and emerging artists who aim to push creative boundaries even further. “We are truly delighted to reconnect with our listeners once again,” said Ju-Un Naher, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bangladesh.  “From the beginning, Coke Studio Bangla has been committed to showcasing Bangladesh’s rich culture and musical heritage in the most beautiful and creative way. The remaining part of the season will bring several outstanding moments and surprises that we are eagerly waiting to share,” she said. Coke Studio Bangla curator Shayan Chowdhury Arnob echoed the same enthusiasm, saying, “This season has brought together immensely talented artists who have created something truly special. I am very hopeful that the emotions and joy we experienced during the creation of each song will also be felt by our listeners.” ‘Obak Bhalobasha’: legendary Warfaze track gets the Coke Studio Bangla treatment Fans can enjoy the performances on Spotify and the official Coke Studio Bangla YouTube channel (youtube.com/@CokeStudioBangla), where Bangladeshi music is once again expected to resonate beyond borders.

Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to swiftly reject Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to overturn a jury verdict or order a new trial following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. Court filings submitted late Wednesday allege that Combs orchestrated complex sexual events for two ex-girlfriends from 2008 through last year, involving the hiring of male sex workers who were sometimes required to travel across state lines. In July, a jury cleared the Bad Boy Records founder of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which could have carried a mandatory 15-year sentence up to life, but convicted him on two lesser Mann Act charges, which prohibit interstate travel for prostitution. Each Mann Act charge carries a potential 10-year sentence. Combs has been denied bail and is expected to serve multiple years in prison. He has been held in a federal jail in Brooklyn since his September arrest at a Manhattan hotel. Sentencing is set for Oct. 3. Prosecutors dismissed Combs’ lawyers’ claims that the Mann Act is vague and violates due process and First Amendment rights. “Evidence of the defendant’s guilt on the Mann Act counts was overwhelming,” they wrote, citing multiday, drug-fueled sexual events called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights” that Combs organized, often filming the encounters to coerce the women into continued participation. The filings said Combs “masterminded every aspect” of these encounters, paying escorts to travel and directing the sexual activity for his own gratification while sometimes joining in. To feel loved, Diddy’s ex claims she took part in ‘Cuckold’ sex marathons Testimony included R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who dated Combs from 2008 to 2018, describing weekly sexual meetups with male escorts that left her too exhausted to focus on her music. Another woman, identified as “Jane,” said she participated in similar multiday events while dating Combs from 2021 to last September. Both said Combs threatened to release videos of the encounters to control their behavior. Prosecutors noted that Combs exerted substantial control over Ventura and Jane’s lives, from career and appearance to financial support, including paying Jane’s $10,000 rent while threatening to withdraw it if she did not comply. Combs’ lawyers argued in their filing that the Mann Act convictions were unwarranted, claiming no commercial motive or coercion existed and that all participants were consenting adults. They maintained that Combs “at most, paid to engage in voyeurism as part of a ‘swingers’ lifestyle,” which, they said, does not legally constitute prostitution.   Source: Agency

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna, Austria’s public broadcaster ORF announced Wednesday. The contest follows Austrian singer JJ’s victory with “Wasted Love” at this year’s competition in Basel. Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle will host the event in May 2026. ORF said Vienna was chosen for its strong infrastructure, logistical capacity, and economic appeal, beating Innsbruck’s bid. This will mark Vienna’s third time hosting Eurovision, after 1967 and 2015. Mayor Michael Ludwig welcomed the selection and said the city will spend about €22.6 million ($26.3 million) on Eurovision, including free public events. Mass grave of Roman-era fighters uncovered in Vienna The semi-finals are scheduled for May 12 and 14, with the grand finale on May 16, 2026. JJ, whose winning song combined operatic and techno elements, is Austria’s third Eurovision winner, following Conchita Wurst (2014) and Udo Jürgens (1966). Last year’s contest drew 160 million viewers worldwide.   Source: Agency

Singer, actor and reality TV star Tamar Braxton said Tuesday that she “almost died” in a weekend accident that she doesn't remember. “I was found in a pool of blood from my friend with a face injury,” Braxton wrote in an Instagram post. “I fractured my nose, lost some teeth and mobility." She added, “I don't even know what happened to me.” Braxton, 48, earlier in the day had posted “Thank you God for waking me up today,” in an Instagram story. She said she was getting calls after and was struggling to talk so she shared what had happened to her. The post also said “the way I look at life now is totally different. As my health is on the mend my mental journey begins… pray for me for real.” An email to Braxton's manager seeking more details was not immediately answered. Braxton was part of a singing group with her sisters, including Toni Braxton, who went on to a major solo career. They and other family members appeared on the reality series “Braxton Family Values” starting in 2011, and Tamar Braxton has since appeared in spin-offs and other reality shows. As an actor, her recent credits include the TV series “Kingdom Business.” And she has spent much of the year on a solo singing tour.

Renowned production house Laser Vision has issued a public apology after actress Jannatul Sumaiya Heme expressed outrage over the use of her photo in what she described as an “objectionable and fabricated” social media post. The controversy began after Laser Vision uploaded short clips of a drama on its YouTube channel and later shared related promotional materials on Facebook. Among these was a photo card featuring Heme’s image with what she alleged were “distasteful, made-up jokes” written over it, published without her consent. Taking to Facebook on Sunday night, Heme voiced her anger, writing: “If you want views or dollars, make good dramas. Why do you post vulgar, fabricated jokes using actresses’ photos without permission? Please do not use my pictures in this way. I have never delivered such dialogues in any drama. Your posts are misleading people. As an artist, this is insulting for me. Please refrain from doing such things in the future.” Actress Heme to feature in her first web film ‘The Holy Gun’ Her post quickly drew attention, with actor Niloy Alamgir sharing it to further highlight the issue. Following the backlash, Laser Vision deleted the photo and posted an apology on its official Facebook page, tagging both Heme and Niloy.  The statement of the production house read: “At Laser Vision, we always remain careful about maintaining clean and tasteful content, and we regard all artists and cultural workers with respect. Dear actress Heme, we are deeply ashamed and sorry if our unintended mistake has hurt you. Such an error will never be repeated in the future.”

Bangladesh Photographic Society (BPS), in association with over 60 like-minded organisations from across the country, celebrated World Photography Day on Tuesday with an array of colourful programmes. This year, the celebration was held under the theme “Let's Learn to Read Visual Language.” The main programme began in the morning at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. The opening segment featured a performance titled “Tumi Ki Keboli Chhobi” by Dhaka Art and Dance Centre, followed by a musical performance from Lalon Jatra. Bangladesh Performance Art Group’s Sujon then presented a performance titled “Prem to Frame.” A brief discussion session started at 9:30 am joined by BPS General Secretary Zakirul Majed Konok, President M Yusuf Tushar, noted photographers Dr Shahidul Alam, Bulbul Ahmed, Nafiz Ahmed Nadvi (Head of BPS Standing Committee), Akkas Mahmud and Kamal Ahmed. The speakers highlighted the significance of the day and strongly urged for the introduction of a Photography Department at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The inaugural ceremony was conducted by noted theatre personality Shankar Shawjal and eminent photographer Imtiaz Alam Beg. Following the discussions, a colourful procession was brought out from Shaheed Minar which paraded around Dhaka University’s TSC area. As part of the day’s programmes, works of 12 late eminent Bangladeshi photographers were exhibited at Shaheed Minar. They included Manzoor Alam Beg, Golam Kasem Daddy, Naibuddin Ahmed, Nawajesh Ahmed, Sayeeda Khanam, Rashid Talukder, Bijon Sarkar, Amanul Huq, Anwar Hossain, Mohammad Alam, Debabrata Chowdhury, and Golam Mostafa. More than 60 organisations including Begart Institute of Photography, Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Rajshahi Photographic Society, Faridpur Photographic Society, Association of Bangladesh Photographers (ABP), Legendary Moment Photography Society, Dhaka Photographers’ Club, Sylhet Photographic Society, Narayanganj Photographic Club, Counter Foto, Pabna Photographers Forum, Khulna Photographic Society, Comilla Photographic Society, Bogura Photography Club, Bhola Photography Club, Jainta Photographic Society, Bangladesh Performance Art Group, Environmental Photographic Society (EPS), Young Photographers’ Panel of Bangladesh, Bright Art Studio joined BPS in celebrating the day. University-based photographic groups that participated in the celebration included Dhaka University Photographic Society, Jahangirnagar University Photographic Society, Rajshahi University Photographic Club, East West University Photography Club, North South University Art and Photography Club, Metropolitan University Photographic Society, Gono University Photographic Society, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Photographic Society, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) Photography Society, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) Photography Club, and MIST Photographic Society.  

Actor Saswata Chatterjee, who plays a key role in The Bengal Files, has distanced himself from controversy over alleged historical distortions in the film. In a recent interview, Chatterjee said, “I am just an actor. I liked the character and played it. I am not a historian to judge whether history is being distorted. People who feel Bengal is being belittled can take legal action. There is no point in just making noise.” He added that during filming, the movie was titled Delhi Files, and he only learned about the title change after shooting was completed. “I will not understand why it happened until I watch the film,” he said. Shah Rukh Khan confirms cameo in son Aryan’s directorial debut ‘The Ba*ds of Bollywood’** Chatterjee described his character as a rare villainous role, adding, “Nowadays, you only get to know your track, your character. I found it amazing.” The film’s trailer launch on August 16 faced disruption in Kolkata, reportedly due to political pressure, but later took place at a private hotel. The Bengal Files, featuring Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and others, is scheduled for release on September 5, 2025. Source: NDTV

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has confirmed that he will make a cameo appearance in his son Aryan Khan’s upcoming directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The Netflix series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, marks Aryan’s first project as a director and has been generating buzz since its official announcement on February 3 this year. SRK, who returned to his popular ‘Ask SRK’ session on X (formerly Twitter) after a long break, responded to a fan asking if he would appear in Aryan’s project. “Lots of lovely friends from the industry have participated in Aryan’s series. They’ve been very gracious and loving toward him. Main toh hun hi… Haq se!” he wrote. When another fan sought his reaction to Aryan’s work as a director, Shah Rukh said: “It’s very good. You all see and decide… but it’s very entertaining, wacky, and emotional. Honest review!” The series, co-created by Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, follows an ambitious outsider and his friends as they navigate the larger-than-life yet uncertain world of Bollywood. Aryan has also contributed to the writing alongside the co-creators. Param Sundari faces backlash over Church scene Although the release date is yet to be announced, reports suggest the series may feature cameos by actors including Bobby Deol and Ranbir Kapoor. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan recently won his first National Film Award. He bagged the Best Actor title at the 71st National Film Awards for his performance in Jawan, which followed the blockbuster success of Pathaan. Both films performed strongly at the box office, with Jawan earning him the prestigious award. Source: NDTV 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Hawaiian Guitar Shilpi Parishad (BHGSP), hosted a captivating musical programme titled 'An Evening of Hawaiian Guitar' on Saturday at its Auditorium Nouvelle Vague in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The evening enthralled audiences with soulful performances by 14 skilled artists, who presented a diverse repertoire of classical, folk and contemporary compositions. Through their signature slide melodies and soothing tonal beauty, the performers highlighted the instrument’s versatility and cultural depth. Beshi Joss dreams of taking Bangladeshi guitars and drums global Rashed Ahmed, Chief News Editor of Maasranga Television, attended the event as the chief guest. The programme was presided over by Guitar Guru Md Hasanur Rahman Bachchu, president of BHGSP. Founded in 1992, the Bangladesh Hawaiian Guitar Shilpi Parishad has been at the forefront of popularising the Hawaiian guitar in Bangladesh.  Its roots go back to 1990 when the National Hawaiian Guitar Festival Council, with support from the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA), organised a landmark three-day festival featuring noted guitarists including Panna Ahmed, Enamul Kabir, Akram Hossain, Syed Lutful Haque, Hasanur Rahman Bacchu, and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Bidhu. BHGSP has since then continued its efforts to inspire appreciation for the Hawaiian guitar, nurture emerging talents, and foster cultural harmony through concerts, workshops and collaborations.

Tristan Rogers, known for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on ABC’s “General Hospital,” has died at the age of 79, less than a month after making a special appearance on the show. “The entire ‘General Hospital’ family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers' passing,” said executive producer Frank Valentini. “Tristan captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him or Robert Scorpio.” Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers began his career in his early twenties as a drummer in a rock band. After the band disbanded, he turned to commercial work, modeling, and eventually acting. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue Hollywood roles and landed a two-day part on “General Hospital” in 1980. His character, initially called “CK8,” was later named Robert Scorpio, becoming a long-running fixture on the show. How Johnny Depp once earned $10m per minute, outshining Hollywood’s top stars Scorpio’s on-again, off-again romance with Holly Sutton, played by Emma Samms, and storylines with spy Anna Devane, played by Finola Hughes, remained fan favorites. Scorpio and Devane shared a daughter, Robin (Kimberly McCullough). In Rogers’ final episode in July, it was revealed his character was battling lung cancer. Rogers’ other acting credits include “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young & the Restless,” and “Studio City,” which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, a daughter, and a son.   Source: Agency