United News of Bangladesh

Netflix reported strong earnings for the April-June quarter, continuing its trend of steady growth, but still fell short of some investors' higher expectations. The streaming giant earned $3.1 billion in net income, or $7.19 per share, marking a 46% year-on-year increase. Revenue rose 16% to $11.08 billion, aligning closely with analysts’ projections. The company also slightly raised its full-year revenue forecast, expressing optimism that a strong content slate will attract more subscribers in the second half of the year. “We’re incredibly excited about the rest of this year and confident heading into 2026,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos during a video call with analysts. Despite the upbeat results, Netflix shares dipped 1% in after-hours trading, as some investors had hoped for a more aggressive upgrade to full-year guidance, said Thomas Monteiro, an analyst at Investing.com. Netflix’s stock has gained 43% so far this year, driven largely by the success of its ad-supported tier introduced in late 2022 after a subscriber slump. The service now boasts over 300 million subscribers, though Netflix stopped releasing quarterly subscriber figures at the start of this year. The platform continues to perform well in both content and advertising. It recently received 120 Emmy nominations, second only to HBO Max. Popular shows like Sirens, Ginny & Georgia, and The Four Seasons, alongside wrestling, boxing, and NFL content, have helped retain and grow its audience. Netflix’s fictional K-pop group Saja Boys break BTS record Netflix’s advertising business is also gaining momentum, with the company projecting ad revenue to double this year. Though largely insulated from President Donald Trump’s trade policies, Netflix could face future risks if proposed tariffs on foreign entertainment are enacted. In a move seemingly aimed at easing concerns, Netflix highlighted its $125 billion investment in U.S. productions between 2020 and 2024 in its quarterly letter. Source: Agency 

On February 28, 2025, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra revealed they were expecting their first child through a joint Instagram post. The post featured a tiny pair of baby socks with the caption, “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.” Now, the couple has joyfully announced the arrival of their baby girl. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, they wrote: “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl. – Sidharth and Kiara.” Earlier this year, on February 7, the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Kiara marked the occasion with a playful video tribute to Sidharth, humorously recreating a scene from their viral wedding clip. In the original video, Kiara walked toward Sidharth, who jokingly pointed at his watch. In her anniversary version, she pulled a sledge with Sidharth on it during a workout, captioning it, “How it started, how it's going. Happy Anniversary to my partner in everything. Love you @sidmalhotra.” Sidharth also shared a couple of never-before-seen wedding photos to commemorate the day. On the professional front, Sidharth Malhotra is preparing for the release of Param Sundari, in which he stars opposite Janhvi Kapoor.  

BTS member Jungkook has confirmed that the global K-pop sensation is preparing for a comeback album, which is expected to be released in spring 2026. The announcement came during a recent live session on the fan platform Weverse, where Jungkook reunited with fellow bandmates Jimin and Taehyung (V) to interact with fans. The group shared light-hearted moments from their military service, with Jimin recalling a humorous memory of Jungkook singing in his sleep. “It sounded amazing," Jimin said, according to a translation by @BTStranslation on X. Jungkook explained that he had a dream-within-a-dream experience and wished he could record the melody. “I could have remembered it if I had been awake," he joked, noting that phones were not allowed during service. The highlight of the session came when Jungkook discussed BTS’ upcoming album, their first full group release since BE in 2020. “We’re aiming for next spring. Now, no matter what the outcome is, we have to release something. Right?" he said. Jimin echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our ARMY has waited so long, we can’t delay it any longer." BTS’ ‘Dynamite’ ranks 34th on Apple Music’s decade list Despite the excitement, Jungkook expressed some apprehension. “We have to work hard until next spring. Honestly, I’m a bit worried,” he admitted. With all seven members now discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is preparing for a full-fledged return. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their duties, followed by the rest in recent months. Jungkook also spoke about his songwriting process, comparing it to that of leader RM (Namjoon). “I can’t write lyrics like Namjoon-hyung. I’m very straightforward and realistic, so the wording doesn’t come out,” he said. After nearly four years, BTS is officially on the path to reuniting with fans through music once again. Source: News18

Aiming to create opportunities for Bangladeshi women to represent the country on global platforms, the ‘Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum 2025’ was officially launched on Tuesday at Le Méridien Dhaka. The announcement came from Meghna Alam, Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020 and Chairperson of the Miss Bangladesh Foundation, who inaugurated the event highlighting its expanded scope from a beauty pageant to a global diplomatic and leadership platform. At the launching ceremony, it was announced that Bangladeshi women aged between 18 and 26 — who are unmarried, responsible citizens, environmentally conscious, and culturally aware — will be eligible to apply for the competition starting July 17 via www.missbangladesh.com. July Uprising: Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj announces cultural drive Following an initial selection process, 100 shortlisted participants will be invited to audition on September 26 at Le Méridien Dhaka. From them, 20 finalists will be selected for a month-long fellowship programme, where they will work on creating impactful stories using plastic and waste materials as part of their advocacy. The fellowship includes training in pageantry, advocacy speech, entrepreneurship, reproductive and mental health, and fitness. The final winner will be crowned ‘Miss Bangladesh Earth’ and will represent Bangladesh at the 25th Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines, which focuses on environmental justice and sustainable development. Last year, through the ‘Miss Bangladesh Beauty Pageant 2024’, 10 Bangladeshi women had the opportunity to represent the country in various international competitions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The initiative culminated in the national winner participating in the Miss Earth competition, associated with the United Nations and global climate justice movements. Speakers at the event shared their personal experiences on overcoming societal pressures and promoting women’s visibility in leadership. Among the attendees were Dr Tasin Afrin Diana, SDG Coordinator of Miss Bangladesh Foundation; Tahreen Zerin, international legal advisor; Alisha Pradhan, CEO of HerNet TV; Dr Nasreen Siraj Anny, Assistant Professor at BRAC University; Konstantinos S Gabriel, GM of Le Méridien Dhaka; renowned singer Mehreen; Neela Israfil, NCP political leader; and Katerina Don, Co-Founder and Creative Director of CholPori and Curator at HerStory Foundation and Publications. Addressing the gathering, Meghna Alam said, “This forum is a response to silence, stigma, and barriers. We are uniting the nation, preserving the environment, and nurturing leadership." "Bangladesh doesn’t seek sympathy — it demands respect and partnership. What we seek is solidarity through this initiative,” Meghna Alam added. The forum’s programme includes press conferences to present participants as influential social ambassadors, dialogues on climate change, gender equality and youth leadership, and recognition of participants, journalists, NGOs and diplomats. It will also facilitate diplomatic dialogues with UN agencies and embassies. Notably, the Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum is positioning itself as Asia’s first SDG-linked, climate-focused, pageantry-based leadership model, focusing on SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Global Partnerships).

Actor and television personality Archana Puran Singh recently disclosed that she and her family were victims of an online scam during a vacation in Dubai, resulting in the loss of thousands of rupees. She shared the incident in a vlog posted to her official YouTube channel. While vacationing with her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, the family booked tickets for iFly Dubai, a popular indoor skydiving attraction. However, upon arriving at the venue, they were told by staff that no such booking existed under their names. “We had booked three slots at iFly Dubai, but the woman at the counter said there's no record. We’ve been scammed — the site we used to make the payment wasn’t theirs. And the tickets weren’t cheap either,” said Archana in the vlog, visibly surprised. “I never imagined something like this could happen in Dubai, where rules are so strict. I really didn’t expect it.” Parmeet Sethi echoed the shock, adding, “Thousands of rupees are gone.” He later paid in cash for new tickets so the family could still enjoy the experience. “What if this turns out to be another scam?” he joked. Aaryamann Sethi recalled noticing something unusual while booking. “I chose a four-minute package, but the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was just a technical issue.” He also mentioned that the website was no longer accessible. Ayushmaan added that the fake site had advertised a “Ramadan discount,” even though the holy month had already passed — a detail that seemed suspicious in hindsight. In summary, Archana Puran Singh shared that her family fell victim to a fraudulent website while trying to book an indoor skydiving session in Dubai, leading to the loss of a substantial sum of money. While the actor did not disclose the exact amount lost, she called the incident both unexpected and disappointing. Source NDTV    

The BBC on Monday announced it will no longer work with longtime MasterChef host Gregg Wallace after a report upheld dozens of sexual misconduct allegations against him. An independent legal investigation found that 45 of 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show from 2005 to 2018 were substantiated. Most involved inappropriate sexual comments and humor, while some involved Wallace being in a state of undress and one instance of unwelcome physical contact. The 60-year-old stepped away from MasterChef last year as multiple complaints surfaced. Despite previous warnings from his employers — including one in 2018 — Wallace continued to appear on BBC shows for years, raising questions about how the broadcaster handles misconduct allegations. Meghan Markle spends heavily on wardrobe ahead of showbiz comeback The BBC admitted missed opportunities to address his behavior and said Wallace's return to MasterChef is “untenable.” In a statement, Wallace denied the most serious claims but said, “Some of my humor and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate.” The UK government welcomed the BBC’s decision, calling for stronger protections against abuse in the creative industry. Source: Agency 

Maalik, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, registered a notable jump in box office collections on its second day after hitting theatres on Friday, July 11. Directed by Pulkit, the action thriller opened with Rs 3.75 crore on Day 1 and witnessed a 40% increase in revenue on Saturday, collecting Rs 5.25 crore, according to data from Sacnilk. With this, the film’s domestic total now stands at Rs 9 crore. On Day 2, Maalik recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 18.84%. Night shows saw the highest turnout with 32.85% occupancy, followed by evening shows at 19.14%, afternoon shows at 16.95%, and morning shows at just 6.40%. Alongside the lead pair, the film also stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Swanand Kirkire, Rajendra Gupta, and Medha Shankr in prominent roles. Rajkummar Rao plays a fierce gangster in the film — a character unlike any he has portrayed before. Speaking to NDTV, the actor shared how he approached the intense role. Allu Arjun reportedly taking on four roles in Atlee’s big-budget film ‘AA22 X A6’ “Stepping out of such an intense role is easier than getting into it, because getting into it, you're still figuring it out,” he said. “There’s a process of growing your beard and then beating up people, so that takes time. And to understand the core of the character is another thing altogether.” He added, “I’ve never played such a ferocious character before, someone with so much power. His name itself is Maalik, which took me time to absorb. But once you get into it, it’s a lot of fun — the journey becomes very exciting.” Maalik is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the banners of Tips Films and Northern Lights Films. Source: NDTV

Cultural collective Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj on Sunday announced a broad cultural campaign titled ‘36 Days That Shook the Heart: July Uprising and Cultural Constitution’ at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), commemorating the historic July 2024 Uprising and envisioning continued cultural resistance. As part of this initiative, it was announced that a daylong programme will be held on August 2 at the Bangladesh National Museum in the capital. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Conference Room of National Theatre Hall at BSA. The event began with a minute of silence and the national anthem in memory of those martyred in the July Uprising. The keynote was jointly delivered by Akram Khan, Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Fariha Shams Sewti, and Sarkar Protik, while the programme was announced by Zahin Faruq Amin and Dhrubo Hasan; and the event was moderated by Taslima Azmeri Haque Badhon, Tanvir Noor, Shaheen Dill-Riaz, Munem Wasif, Dr Samina Luthfa, Asaduzzaman Asad, Dr Anon Siddika, Musfiqur Rahman Manju, Krishnokoli Islam, Mohammad Ali Haider, and Bithi Ghosh.  ‘July Reawakening’: BSA's drone show, cultural event to mark first anniversary at Shaheed Minar on July 14 Several others including Habibur Rahman, Barkat Hossain Palash, Jagannmoy Pal, Mitu Rahman, Rafi Uddin, and Shadab Shahrokh Hai were present . A short video was presented during the event, which concluded with a Q&A session. The collective quoted Ahmed Sofa’s assertion that “true courage is the ability to envision distant possibilities,” framing it as a call to cultural and political imagination. Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj recounted its emergence during the mass uprising, when artists, performers, and cultural activists gathered to demand democratic reforms.  Their protest, centred at Farmgate and the Shaheed Minar, became a defining moment in Bangladesh’s cultural-political landscape. The movement later contributed to flood relief, reconstruction, and social mobilization. The group placed the July Uprising within the longer arc of Bangladesh’s democratic history—from the 1947 Partition and 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War and the 1990 pro-democracy uprising. They asserted that history must not be confined to the past, but mobilized for democratic transformation in the present and future. One year on, the collective reflected on both progress and unresolved challenges. Though the authoritarian regime fell, fascist systems persist. Speakers raised concerns about delayed justice, unfinished reforms, and a lack of clarity in democratic commitments. The group also addressed what it described as "cultural fascism"—state and social pressures that silence dissenting voices, censor creativity, and demand conformity from the arts. In contrast, they upheld cultural resistance as a way to reimagine democracy and social justice through fearless expression. The series of events will feature theatre, music, live graffiti, poetry, film screenings, and exhibitions of protest art. The day-long events will feature some of initiatives under the ‘36 Days’ campaign, which aims to deepen reflection on the uprising and foster artistic solidarity for a just and inclusive Bangladesh.

In observance of the historic July Mass Uprising, a month-long series of commemorative events titled ‘July Reawakening’ is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. As part of the programme, a special drone show and cultural event will take place on Monday, July 14, at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital with all respected Advisers of the interim government expected to attend. The evening's proceedings will begin at 6pm with a cultural performance titled 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam'. The national anthem will be performed in chorus by vocalists from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the Department of Music. Dhaka University, and popular singer Farzana Wahid Shayan, who will also perform several of her notable songs, including 'Ami-e Bangladesh', 'Joy Banglar', 'Hushiyari', 'Tajjob Bone Jai', 'Amar Naam Palestine', and 'Ami July-er Golpo Bolbo', among others. To mark July Women’s Day, a documentary produced by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be screened, followed by two films: 'Deepak Kumar Goswami Speaking' and 'Bishad Shindhu'. Five individuals who participated in the July movement, along with three family members of martyrs, will later share their memories and reflections. Govt  approves drone shows, ‘July Revival Programmes’ The cultural segment will continue with performances by the band Ila Lalalala, presenting songs such as 'Songoti', 'Ochirjibir Prarthona', 'Bagher Gaan', and 'Neel Nirbasan'. This will be followed by Slogan Girls chanting slogans, and after that, Indigenous band F Minor will take the stage with 'Alo Asbei', 'Mukti', 'Dahuk', and 'Meye'. After another round of slogan chanting by the Slogan Girls, Parsha Mahjabeen will perform 'Cholo Bhule Jai', 'Muktir Mondir', and 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam'. Finally, after one last round of slogans, singer Elita Karim will render patriotic songs including 'Ami Banglay Gaan Gai', 'Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora', 'Palashir Prantor', 'Ghure Darao', and 'Bangladesh'. The evening will culminate with the Drone Show, jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of China. A total of 2,000 drones will take to the skies to visually narrate the story of the July Uprising. The show will recreate the historic moment when, on July 14, female students of Dhaka University emerged like a wave and breathed new life into the movement. The drones will form visuals above the Shaheed Minar to depict these powerful scenes. The drone show will unfold in two parts: the first will trace Bangladesh’s journey leading up to the events of July 2024, while the second will dramatize the mass uprising that began on July 14., in the view of this filmmaker This event is expected to be a powerful tribute to one of the most pivotal chapters in the nation's cultural and political history.

Justin Bieber has officially returned. On Friday, the pop star released Swag, his long-anticipated seventh studio album, marking his first new music since 2021’s Justice — and his first since becoming a father. The 21-track album was teased just hours earlier through cryptic billboards in Reykjavik and Los Angeles, as well as posts on Bieber’s Instagram featuring the full tracklist, including titles like “All I Can Take,” “Walking Away,” “Dadz Love,” and “Forgiveness.” According to Def Jam Recordings, Swag is a reflection of Bieber’s growth as a husband and father, with songs that dive into deeper emotions and present his most introspective work to date. Top Tracks from Bieber’s ‘Swag’ “Daises” – This slow-burning R&B-pop track is a highlight, showcasing Bieber’s signature tender vocals, now layered over a lo-fi guitar. It's intimate, polished, and exactly what longtime fans hope for.“Devotion” ft. Dijon – Rising R&B artist Dijon adds warmth and soul to this romantic tune. Their collaboration is seamless, with Dijon’s textured voice complementing Bieber’s in a song about unwavering love.“Go Baby” – A tribute to his wife Hailey Bieber, the song opens with a line celebrating her beauty and business success, referencing her billion-dollar Rhode skincare brand. It's a sweet and catchy nod to his muse.“Walking Away” – Marriage comes with its challenges, and Bieber addresses that honestly in this heartfelt midtempo track. It’s emotional yet danceable — a perfect “slow dance in the kitchen” song.“All I Can Take” – The opening track nods to Bieber’s early pop roots but with a grown-up twist. It's playful and nostalgic, with a catchy chorus that showcases his smooth vocals and personal evolution.A Look Back at Bieber’s Journey The Canadian superstar and two-time Grammy winner first made waves in the late 2000s with hits like “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Stay.” He became a global teen idol and was discovered as a tween by Usher and talent manager Scooter Braun. In 2023, Bieber sold the rights to his music catalog — including all six of his earlier albums — to U.K.-based music investment firm Hipgnosis. While financial details weren't disclosed, Billboard estimated the deal at around $200 million. In August 2024, Bieber and wife Hailey welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber — a life change that clearly influenced the deeply personal themes of Swag.