United News of Bangladesh

Legendary American thrash metal band Megadeth announced Thursday that their upcoming album will be their last, and they plan to launch a farewell tour in 2026. Founder and frontman Dave Mustaine said the timing allows the band to retire “on top” after decades of global success. “Most musicians don’t get to go out on their own terms… I have traveled the world and made millions of fans. The hardest part is saying goodbye to them,” he said. BTS’ ‘Dynamite’ ranks 34th on Apple Music’s decade list Details on the album title, release date, and remaining tour stops have yet to be disclosed. Mustaine urged fans to celebrate the band’s legacy, highlighting their influence on guitar music and the metal genre. The announcement followed a teaser post on Wednesday reading, “The end is near…” Megadeth was formed in 1983 after Mustaine’s departure from Metallica and released their debut album, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, in 1985.   Source: Agency

Entertainment lovers have a packed week ahead with a mix of theatrical releases and new shows on OTT platforms. From thrilling mysteries to fun reality shows, there’s something for every viewer. In theatres, Tribanadhari Barbarik (Aug 22) blends myth and mystery under Mohan Srivatsa’s direction, starring Motta Rajendran, Sanchi Rai and Vasishta N. Simha. OTT platforms are bringing diverse content: Netflix premieres Aema (Aug 22), a 1980s K-drama about two friends making a controversial film, and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (Aug 23), a time-travel romance featuring chef Yeon Ji-young in the Joseon era. Twelve (Aug 23, Disney+) follows 12 angels on Earth fighting evil, each reflecting a zodiac sign. Hostage (Aug 21, Netflix) offers a gripping political thriller, while Long Story Short (Aug 22, Netflix) explores a dysfunctional family in animated form. The documentary The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (Aug 22, Netflix) revisits the actor’s controversial case. Gold Rush Gang (Aug 21, Netflix) delivers a post-WWII Western adventure. Jolly LLB 3 Teaser: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Hilarious Jolly vs Jolly Reality fans can tune in to Bigg Boss Season 19 (Aug 24, JioHotstar), with Salman Khan returning as host and contestants including Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar and Gaurav Taneja. Peacemaker Season 2 (Aug 22, JioHotstar) continues the DC Universe saga with John Cena reprising his role. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Dooars’ biodiversity in a new documentary directed by Shaon Pritam Baral, narrated by Dia Mirza, highlighting red pandas, one-horned rhinos and more. Source: Agency 

South Korea’s Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a 30 million won ($21,600) damages claim by an American composer who alleged that Pinkfong, a South Korean children’s content company, plagiarized his version of “Baby Shark,” ending a six-year legal dispute over the globally popular children’s song. The court upheld lower court rulings from 2021 and 2023, which found no evidence that Pinkfong infringed Jonathan Wright’s, also known as Johnny Only, copyright. Wright had recorded his version in 2011, four years before Pinkfong’s, but both were based on a traditional folk melody widely used in U.S. children’s summer camps. South Korean prosecutors move to arrest jailed ex-President Yoon’s wife The judges ruled that Wright’s version did not significantly differ from the original melody to qualify as a protected creative work, and that Pinkfong’s song contained clear distinctions. The Supreme Court emphasized that the decision reaffirms established principles regarding derivative works based on folk tunes. “The Supreme Court accepts the lower court’s finding that the plaintiff’s song did not involve substantial modifications to the folk tune to be regarded, by common social standards, as a separate work,” the court said. Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark,” released on YouTube in 2015, became a global sensation, with the original video now surpassing 16 billion views and reaching No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The franchise has generated 45.1 billion won ($32.6 million) in revenue in the first half of 2025 and expanded into TV shows, Netflix specials, movies, apps, and international musicals.   Source: Agency

Beyoncé has added an Emmy Award to her record 35 Grammy wins, marking another milestone in her career. The pop icon, whose legal name is Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, was among a team of six honored with the award for outstanding costumes for a variety, nonfiction or reality program for the “Beyoncé Bowl” — her Western-themed halftime performance during Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. The show, staged in her hometown of Houston, featured the live debut of songs from her Cowboy Carter album. The win is Beyoncé’s first Emmy after 10 previous nominations without success, putting her halfway toward the coveted EGOT status — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She still needs the latter two to complete the set. John Abraham credits privacy for “scandal-free” marriage with Priya Runchal The honor was one of several “juried” Emmys announced Tuesday, awarded by committees rather than through the regular voting process. These technical categories, which often include elements of animation and production design, rarely go to household names. The awards will be officially presented at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony next month. Beyoncé is also up for best variety special as producer of “Beyoncé Bowl” and for best direction of a variety special. Her husband, Jay-Z, is competing in the same category as executive producer of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.

Police announced Tuesday that four individuals have been arrested in connection with a burglary that took place earlier this summer at a Los Angeles residence reportedly owned by actor Brad Pitt.Authorities responded to a break-in on June 25 at the property located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA.According to police, the suspects entered through the front window, ransacked the home, and fled with various items.Detective Officer Drake Madison confirmed the arrests but said the suspects’ names might be released later. F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt’s Epic Racing Drama Drives Box Office Momentum Officials have not disclosed who currently owns or resides in the house, nor have they provided details about the stolen property.Reports indicate Pitt purchased the home for $5.5 million in April 2023, based on information from the commercial real estate site Traded.A spokesperson for Brad Pitt declined to comment on the incident Tuesday.At the time of the burglary, Pitt was abroad on a global promotional tour for his new film, “F1.”   Source: Agency

Popular Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan has recently offered a rare glimpse into her personal and professional life, from upcoming films to relationship revelations, in a conversation blending warmth, humour and candour. In a fun yet emotionally layered interview with Kolkata-based YouTube channel Indulge Express, she discussed her latest Bengali releases, her journey across cinema, her love for animals, and her first public acknowledgment of a long-term relationship. Following her Eid releases 'Taandob' and 'Utshob', Jaya’s two new films - 'Dear Maa' and 'Putul Nacher Iti Kotha' - have recently hit theatres in West Bengal, adding to her remarkable run in both Bangladeshi and Bengali cinema. John Abraham credits privacy for “scandal-free” marriage with Priya Runchal In the August 9 interview with Indulge Express, she discussed her journey through acclaimed works like 'Bishorjan' and 'Konttho', the stories behind her biggest projects, and what’s next in her career. The actress also shared heartwarming anecdotes about her pets and spoke openly about her personal life, revealing for the first time that she has been in a relationship “for many years” with someone outside the film industry.  “Of course there is someone special in my life… We have been together for a long time,” she said, adding that their bond began as a deep friendship. “He tolerates a lot from me. I travel frequently, work here (in Kolkata) for long stretches, but he never complains. We are both very private people.” Asked what she likes most about her partner, Jaya said, “He is very calm… maybe that’s why I like him,” noting that she too is calm by nature.  On marriage, she said she has yet to decide. “I don’t know if or when I will feel the urge to marry. I respect the idea of marriage and living together, but I haven’t decided,” she said, admitting to a certain fear about marriage, possibly stemming from “past relationship experiences.” Jaya also hinted at several upcoming films and web series but chose not to disclose details at this stage, leaving her fans anticipating what’s next. 

International pop icon Madonna has called on Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and “bring your light to the children before it’s too late,” urging urgent humanitarian intervention amid the ongoing crisis. The singer made the heartfelt appeal on social media Monday, inspired by her son Rocco’s 25th birthday. Addressing the pontiff directly, she wrote, “Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it’s too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.” Madonna emphasized the shared responsibility toward the children, adding, “The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry. We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna.” She clarified that her message was not meant to blame any side in the conflict. “I am not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides. Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation,” she said. Pope Leo XIV recently reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the global community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians. Madonna claims she has COVID-19 antibodies “I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” the pope said last month. Aid workers and doctors have warned that children in Gaza are increasingly dying from malnutrition after months of Israeli blockade and disrupted supply chains. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has displaced most of Gaza’s roughly 2 million residents and pushed the region toward famine. According to the United Nations, over 5,000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in Gaza in May, though the actual figure is believed to be higher. Medical professionals face severe shortages of supplies necessary to treat these children. Israel denies allegations of famine or starvation among children, claiming it has provided sufficient food throughout the conflict. The Israeli government accuses Hamas of causing shortages by diverting aid and controlling food distribution.   Source: Agency

Taylor Swift has officially announced her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. The surprise announcement came via Swift’s website just after a countdown ended at 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday. While no exact release date was given, her site noted that vinyl versions of the album are expected to ship before October 13. Speculation about Swift’s next album had been building for weeks. On Monday, her marketing team, Taylor Nation, posted a TikTok slideshow featuring 12 images of Swift dressed in orange, captioned with the phrase, “Thinking about when she said ‘See you next era…’” A limited-edition vinyl of the album, described as “Portofino orange glitter,” is available for pre-order, along with a special cassette version. Adding to the buzz, fans connected a cryptic post from the New Heights podcast — hosted by Swift’s boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce — which shared an orange image featuring a mysterious silhouette. Many fans guessed it hinted at Swift’s appearance. Early Tuesday, the podcast confirmed Swift would be a guest on an upcoming episode, releasing a teaser that showed her revealing the new album from a briefcase. The artwork for the album remains blurred, both on the podcast and her website. The Life of a Showgirl is Swift’s follow-up to The Tortured Poets Department, which she announced at the 2024 Grammys and released during her history-making Eras Tour — a global run that grossed more than $2.2 billion, becoming the highest-earning tour ever. This marks Swift’s first album release since she fully regained ownership of her music catalog. In May, she announced that she had purchased the rights to her early recordings, which were originally under Big Machine Records but later sold to Shamrock Capital. She did not reveal the purchase price. Over the past few years, Swift has been re-recording her first six albums as part of her mission to reclaim control over her work. The project began after Scooter Braun's controversial acquisition of her original masters. Each re-recorded release — dubbed "Taylor’s Version" — has included new songs “from the vault,” hidden clues, and fresh visuals. So far, four re-recordings have been released: Fearless and Red in 2021, followed by Speak Now and 1989 in 2023. Each debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and Swift now holds the record for the most No. 1 albums by a female artist.

Bollywood actor-producer John Abraham says his decision to keep his marriage with banker Priya Runchal away from the spotlight has helped them maintain a “scandal-free” life. The couple, who wed in 2014, make only occasional public appearances and social media posts together. Speaking to India Today, John said their low profile is intentional. “That is a very conscious decision, because my films have nothing to do with my personal life,” he noted. In over two decades in the industry, he has never hired a publicist or agent, preferring to avoid manufactured publicity. “Once my films are over, I go into my shell and only come out when I have something relevant to say,” said the actor, whose film Tehran premieres on ZEE5 on August 15, 2025. Bigg Boss 19: Wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim may join Salman Khan’s reality show John also said it was easy to avoid the party circuit, as he was never fond of Bollywood gatherings. “I never went to parties even before marriage. The music is too loud, I don’t drink, and I sleep early — waking up by 4–4:30 am to read and follow world news,” he shared. He credited Priya for adding “maturity” to their relationship and for choosing to stay out of the limelight. Source: NDTV 

Paramount will become the exclusive broadcaster for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events across the United States starting next year, following a seven-year agreement announced Monday with TKO Group. Under the deal, Paramount will stream all 13 major UFC numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” annually on its platform Paramount+. Selected marquee events will also air simultaneously on CBS. The new arrangement marks a shift from UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model, aiming to reach a broader audience nationwide. “Paramount’s strength lies in the vast reach of our linear and streaming platforms,” said David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount. “Live sports remain a core part of our strategy to boost engagement, subscriber growth, and loyalty. Adding UFC’s year-round events is a major win for us.” Trump attends UFC Championship in New Jersey, pausing Musk feud for night of fights Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO, said the deal will deepen fan engagement and provide UFC athletes with “a compelling new stage.” Currently, UFC events air on ESPN, which offers tiered pricing across its TV network and streaming service ESPN+. That partnership runs through the end of 2025. The seven-year contract between Paramount and TKO is valued at an average of $1.1 billion annually — nearly double the estimated $550 million ESPN pays yearly for UFC coverage. Paramount’s unified streaming approach will simplify access for fans, offering all UFC content on Paramount+ with a monthly subscription fee, eliminating separate pay-per-view charges. Paramount also plans to explore UFC broadcasting rights outside the U.S. as they become available. The announcement follows Paramount’s recent acquisition by Skydance after a lengthy ownership transition. New Paramount CEO David Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has emphasized expanding technology and direct-to-consumer streaming. Shares of TKO — which also owns WWE — rose more than 5.4% in Monday trading following the news. Source: Agency