United News of Bangladesh

Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar said he faces criticism from extremists on both sides of the ideological spectrum, with some telling him to go to hell and others suggesting he should go to Pakistan. Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book ‘Narkatla Swarg’ (Heaven in the Swamp) in Mumbai on Saturday, Akhtar said if given a choice between the two, he would choose hell. “People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me. But this is also true: the extremists from this side also abuse me, and the extremists from that side also abuse. This is the reality,” Akhtar said at the event, which was attended by several political leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar. OPERATION SINDOOR: India says no Pakistani military facilities targeted “If even one of them stops abusing, I will get worried about what mistake I am making. One says I am a 'kaafir (non-believer)' and will go to hell. The other says I am a jihadi and should go to Pakistan. So if I have the options of choosing between Pakistan and hell, I would like to go to hell,” he added, as quoted by ANI. Javed Akhtar has been vocal on political and social issues, often attracting strong reactions online. Recently, he urged the Indian government to take stern action against Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. At the inauguration of the Glorious Maharashtra Festival, Akhtar said, “This has happened not just once but several times. I request that the Central Government take immediate steps. A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now. Do something so that the mad Army chief there (Pakistan), no sensible person can make a speech like he does.” “He says that Hindus and Muslims are different communities. He does not even care that there are Hindus in his country, too. So, do they have no respect? What kind of man is he? They should get a befitting reply so that they remember. They will not pay heed to anything less. I don't know much about politics. But I do know that it is time for 'aar ya paar',” he added. Following the attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting what it described as terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 people.

Kaaktaal, the Dhaka-based experimental band acclaimed for its poetic lyrics and socially driven music, has officially announced its disbandment on Saturday night, bringing an end to its four-year journey in the country's independent and mainstream music scene. The announcement was made through a statement shared on the band’s verified social media pages, where the members expressed their appreciation to fans for their unwavering support. “We had a fulfilling journey of nearly four years, made possible by all of you who listened and stood by us. It was an experience that exceeded our expectations, and we hope to have left a mark in your memories,” the statement reads. “But the journey ends here, as it no longer brings peace — which was our core reason for making music. We hope both you and we continue to seek and find peace. Godspeed,” the band stated. Established in 2021, it introduced music as an expressive medium for inmates at Dhaka Central Jail. The founding members — Asif Iqbal (also known as AiA Lemonsky), Nazm Anwr, and Alex Joven — were later joined by Soumya Anindya Riddho and Antar, forming the core lineup. Lights, camera, glitter ball: The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final Known for their introspective songwriting and minimalistic musical arrangements, Kaaktaal carved out a space for emotionally resonant, grassroots-inspired music. Their work attracted a dedicated listenership, drawn to the band's authenticity and socially conscious themes. During its critically acclaimed four-years-long journey, the band released six albums, including the "Kaaktaal Raw" series and "Karagarer Gaan (Karagar Versions)," reflecting their unique origins and evolving artistic vision. Among their most recognized tracks were “Rokto Gorom Matha Thanda,” released during the student-led movements against discrimination, as well as “Ei Poth Cholar Gaan” and “Shikkhar Jobanbondi.”  

A palm tree fell on a man at the Cannes Film Festival who was walking along the Croisette on Saturday in the seaside French town. Authorities sped through festivalgoers to tend to the person who laid injured and bleeding on the sidewalk. No information was immediately available on their condition. Tom Cruise gets emotional as 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' earns 5-minute ovation at Cannes Representatives for the festival didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. The incident happened midday at the festival. Cannes, which runs until May 24, is about halfway through.

The world’s biggest live music spectacle came to a sparkling close on Saturday with the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest — an event that celebrates music and unity, though this year’s edition was marked by controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Among the top contenders vying for the iconic microphone-shaped trophy in Basel, Switzerland, were a Swedish trio singing an ode to sauna culture and an Austrian countertenor with classical training. As always with Eurovision’s unpredictable nature, the winner could just as easily come from France, the Netherlands, or Finland — or even be the Estonian artist performing a song about Italian coffee. The grand final began at 9 p.m. local time. According to bookmakers, Sweden’s KAJ, with their sauna-themed track “Bara Bada Bastu,” is the current frontrunner, followed closely by Austria’s JJ with his genre-blending pop-opera entry “Wasted Love.” French chanteuse Louane has risen up the odds with “maman,” as has Dutch singer Claude with soulful ballad “C’est La Vie” and Finland’s Erika Vikman with the innuendo-laden “Ich Komme.” Estonia’s Tommy Cash is also a contender with his highly caffeinated dance-pop song “Espresso Macchiato.” Israel’s Yuval Raphael has won many fans with her anthemic “New Day Will Rise,” but also faced protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel to be kicked out of the contest over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. Musician Charged Alongside Chris Brown in 2023 London Nightclub Assault Case   Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — will perform to some 160 million viewers for the continent’s pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display has been spared by musicians who are given 3 minutes to make their mark. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. “In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English,” he said. But in the past decade “we’ve seen songs become much more socially and politically engaged, songs that present the audience with some sort of meaning.” “In recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn’t succeeded,” he added. “An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days.” This year’s contest has been roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel’s participation. Dozens of former participants, including last year’s winner Nemo of Switzerland, have called for Israel to be excluded. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests have both taken place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year’s event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. The European Broadcasting Union or EBU, which runs Eurovision, subsequently tightened the contest’s code of conduct, calling on participants to respect Eurovision’s values of “universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity” and its political neutrality. Performers say the backstage vibe this year is more relaxed. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country’s flag. Axel Åhman, one third of favorites KAJ, acknowledged that it’s tough to keep Eurovision an unpolitical event. “The world always seeps in in some sense,” he told the AP. “But we’re here to represent Sweden and we have prepared for this for all our lives and want to make the best of our moment as artists in this huge and legendary competition. “So our main focus is there, and the politics (we) try to leave that to the EBU and those actually making the decisions.”            

A musician and associate of Chris Brown has been formally charged in connection with an alleged assault on a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023, British police announced Saturday. Omolulu Akinlolu, 38, known professionally as "Hoody Baby," is facing a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent. He is expected to appear before the Manchester Magistrates’ Court. Chris Brown, 36, was taken into custody on the same charge and is currently being held without bail, casting uncertainty over his upcoming tour. His next court appearance is set for June 13 at Southwark Crown Court in London, coinciding with the third day of his scheduled world tour. Top 10 Netflix Originals Streaming in June 2025 Akinlolu, a Dallas-based rapper, has worked with Brown and Lil Wayne and also uses stage names like “Fat Leopard” and “Super Hood.” While police have not specified his exact involvement, they confirmed his charge stems from the same incident involving Brown. According to prosecutor Hannah Nicholls, the assault took place in February 2023 during Brown’s UK tour. She stated that Brown attacked producer Abe Diaw at Tape nightclub in London’s upscale Mayfair district, hitting him repeatedly with a bottle in what was described as an unprovoked assault. Surveillance footage also allegedly captured Brown chasing Diaw and continuing the assault by punching and kicking him in front of clubgoers. During his court appearance, Brown did not enter a plea but confirmed his personal details. He was arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester on Thursday morning. A representative for Brown has not responded to multiple inquiries from The Associated Press. Brown, widely known as “Breezy,” gained fame in 2005 as a teenage R&B artist and has since become a major figure in the music industry with hits like “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss,” and “Without You.” He has received multiple Grammy Awards, including one earlier this year for best R&B album for “11:11 (Deluxe).” Literary world gathers for PEN America dinner-gala hosted by Amber Ruffin Despite the legal developments, Brown is still slated to begin his international tour in June, kicking off the European leg in Amsterdam on June 8, with North American dates starting in July. Joining him on tour are Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and Bryson Tiller.

Amber Ruffin stood before a crowd of hundreds—writers, publishers, and editors—gathered for PEN America’s annual gala, where she recounted her own brush with censorship. “I’m technically a banned book now,” she quipped, alluding to her being dropped as a speaker for April’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “They invited me, then uninvited me.” The event, held Thursday night at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, served both as a protest against the silencing of voices and a celebration of the freedom to speak freely. Ruffin hosted the evening’s fundraiser, which honored several figures including actor, publisher, and book lover Sarah Jessica Parker; Egyptian poet and activist Galal El-Behairy, currently imprisoned; Wesleyan University President Michael Roth; and Macmillan CEO Jon Yaged. One of the biggest ovations was for a non-speaker, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who during a White House meeting in February challenged President Donald Trump over her support for transgender athletes, When Trump suspended funds for a Maine child nutrition program, Mills sued in federal court and prevailed. PEN America, the century-old free speech organization, brought in Ruffin to host soon after the WHCA withdrew its invitation, contending it wanted to focus on the achievements of journalism. Ruffin is a blunt and sometimes profane critic of Trump and duly went after him Thursday, calling him “gross,” “incompetent,” “racist” and “sexually deviant.” She also praised PEN for the chance to speak out. “Thank you to PEN America for asking me to host and more importantly, thank you, PEN America, for Googling me at least once before asking me to host,” she said. “I’m looking at you, White House Correspondents Association.” Parker was presented the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, given in previous years to Patti Smith, Robert Caro and Stephen Sondheim among others. French actor banned from Cannes red carpet amid rape allegations Parker has been a longtime champion of books and literacy and runs the publishing imprint SJP Lit, where authors include Lucy Caldwell, Linda Grant and Elysha Chang. At the Sundance Film Festival in January, she premiered a documentary film for which she served as executive producer, “The Librarians,” about the fight against book bans. “To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,” Parker said during her acceptance speech. “Libraries aren’t just buildings with shelves. They are a beacon. They are warm in the winter and cool in summer, and they are sanctuaries of possibility. They are a heartbeat of the neighborhood.” El-Behairy, who has been imprisoned off and on since 2018 on charges of terrorism and “spreading false news,” won the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, given to dissidents who have been jailed. The prize was accepted by his sister, Naiera, and father, Abdelfattah, who noted his son “paid the price for his opposition with the best years of his life wasted in prison.” Taye Diggs presented the Business Visionary award to Yaged and joked that he liked the Macmillan executive because he didn’t publish his children’s books just because Diggs was an extremely handsome and successful Black actor. Wesleyan President Michael S. Roth, a leading critic of Trump’s threats to cancel research funding at Columbia University and other schools, won the PEN/Benenson Courage Award. During a speech that was loudly cheered, he remembered a happy, outspoken and admittedly privileged childhood during which threats to democracy were rarely considered. “We are going to have to draw on love and support if we are to resist the slide towards authoritarianism that has gathered momentum across the land,” Roth said.      

French actor Théo Navarro-Mussy has been barred from walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival due to accusations of rape and sexual assault—a first in the festival’s history. Navarro-Mussy stars in Dossier 137, directed by Dominik Moll, which premieres in competition on Thursday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor has been accused of “rape, physical and psychological violence” by three former partners. A court dismissed the initial complaint last month, but the alleged victims have announced plans to pursue a civil case against him. Festival general delegate Thierry Frémaux said that he took the “unprecedented” step to exclude Navarro-Mussy from Thursday’s gala screening, in agreement with the film’s producers. Tom Cruise gets emotional as 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' earns 5-minute ovation at Cannes Speaking to French outlet Télérama, Frémaux defended the decision, saying, “The case remains ongoing,” and added that the ban would be lifted if the case was dismissed or if Navarro-Mussy is found not guilty. The ban follows a separate development in France’s film industry this week, where veteran actor Gérard Depardieu received an 18-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of sexual assault—marking one of the country’s most prominent #MeToo cases to date.

A 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer, Valeria Marquez, was shot and killed while livestreaming on TikTok, according to the Jalisco state prosecutor's office. The incident occurred at her beauty salon in Guadalajara when a man entered and allegedly opened fire. Authorities are treating the incident as a femicide— a crime where a woman is killed due to her gender — though the motive remains unclear. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova Teased for 2027 with Another Epic Monster Clash Gender-based violence is a serious issue in Mexico, with the UN reporting that around 10 women or girls are murdered daily, often by relatives or partners. Just before the attack, Marquez was livestreaming from her salon in Zapopan, holding a stuffed toy. The stream captured the moment of the shooting, ending only when someone else stopped the recording by picking up her phone. Reports from local media suggest the gunman approached under the guise of delivering a gift. Police arrived around 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 GMT) and confirmed her death. No suspect has been named so far. Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. Fans expressed shock and sorrow over her death. Zapopan’s mayor, Juan José Frangie, stated there were no prior reports of threats against Marquez. He described the killing as a tragic femicide. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams examining the evidence from the scene.   Source: BBC

Aamir Khan has come under fire online after his production house posted a tribute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor just hours before releasing the trailer for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par on May 13. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Aamir Khan Productions shared a message saying, "Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor." The post sparked backlash, with many social media users accusing the actor of attempting to leverage a patriotic moment to draw attention to his film.  Chirkutt releases new album ‘Bhalobashashomogro’ after eight years One user commented, "Kucha jada jaldi nahi kar di post?" (Haven't you posted too early?)—suggesting the timing was strategic rather than sincere. Another post criticized several Bollywood stars by name, stating, "We as Indian should just ignore these morons @AKPPL_Official @iamsrk, @BeingSalmanKhan, @saifalikhan067. They earn their money here in India but at the time of adversity they want to show how intellectual they are. Probably they are also under the illusion about 72 virgins." Yet another user speculated on the motives behind the message, writing, "Dekho koi movie ka announcement bhi ata hoga... Ye paise k liye bolte h lekin dil m Turkey and Pakistan h." Mocking the timing, a different comment read, "Bahut jldi yaad aayi? Movie release ki date ko 10-20 saal aage bda do, fayde m rhoge. Wrna public itna pelegi k jaisi laal singh ki chaddi pili hue thi." The original post by Aamir Khan Productions stated:"Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind." Despite the tribute, the timing of the post ahead of the film’s trailer launch has triggered significant online criticism. Source: NDTV  ‘Utshob’: Star-studded family film awaits Eid release next month

Popular Bangladeshi band Chirkutt has made a powerful return to the music scene with the release of their long-awaited fourth studio album, 'Bhalobashashomogro' on Wednesday. The album comes after an eight-year hiatus and features ten brand new tracks that reflect the band’s creative evolution and deep emotional connection with their audience. The album, composed and written by the band’s frontwoman Sharmin Sultana Sumi, marks the end of a long wait for Chirkutt’s fans both in Bangladesh and abroad. According to the band, 'Bhalobashashomogro' is now available across all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Facebook Music.  “This feeling is beyond words. For us, an album represents our very existence as a band,” Chirkutt said in a statement. The first track from the album, titled 'Dami', has already been released with a music video and has garnered a positive response. Two more music videos are set to follow soon. Speaking about the new release, the band shared that the driving force behind Chirkutt’s 23-year journey has been the unwavering love and support of their listeners. “This journey has been filled with challenges, hard work, creativity, and a deep devotion to our craft and each other,” the band noted. They emphasizsd that the album is rooted in love, which they consider the most powerful force in life. “Life is short, and even that’s not enough for love,” said Chirkutt. “With 'Bhalobashasamagro', we tried to capture love in all its forms through ten diverse songs.” Sharmin Sultana Sumi described the album as a pure reflection of their thoughts and musical journey. “Chirkutt is like our meditation,” she said. “Those who love us will feel that essence in our spontaneous new Bangla songs.” ‘Utshob’: Star-studded family film awaits Eid release next month Sumi added that 'Bhalobashashomogro' holds special significance as it is the first full studio album for the band’s current four core members: Pranto, Dibbo, Iyar, and Shubhra. “They’re thrilled about it, and seeing their happiness brings me immense joy,” she said. The album’s tracks include: Dami, Hiya, Uttore Bhalo Na, Agun, Dak, Keno Tumi Ele Na, Bhalobashi Tomay, Din Jay, Osukh Shere Jay, and Dordi. Chirkutt produced the album, with co-production by talented young artist and producer Zakir Ahmed. The tracks were mixed and mastered by Ifti Khairul Alam Shuvo, with support from Zakir and Iyar Hossain. Three of the songs have been turned into music videos, produced by Live2Web and Affan Aziz Pritul, and the album artwork was made by Rakib Rahman. Recording took place at Studio Kokil and Butter Records, with post-production handled at Butter Records. The lyrical videos of the remaining tracks will be released in stages, beginning with the music video for 'Dami' on May 9. The second music video is scheduled for release the following week, with more to follow. Bonfire is partnering with the band for music distribution. To celebrate the release of 'Bhalobashashomogro', Chirkutt also plans to organize a special solo concert in the near future. The current lineup of Chirkutt includes Sharmin Sultana Sumi on vocals, lyrics, and composition; Pavel Areen on drums and sound production; Raihan Islam Shubhra on rhythm guitar; Dibbo Naser on lead guitar and harmony vocals; Ishmamul Farhad on bass guitar; Raihan Parvez Akand Pranto on banjo, mandolin, ukulele, guitar, and strumstick; Iyar Hossain on keyboard, harmonium, and violin; and Fayez Sagar as the sound engineer.