United News of Bangladesh

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.

The global premiere of the film and exhibition titled ‘Shoot Me, I Bare My Chest – A Counter-Forensic Investigation into the Killing of Abu Sayed’ was held on Friday evening at DrikPath Bhobon in the capital, shedding a new light on Abu Sayed’s killing through a counter-forensic lens. The initiative, spearheaded by Drik Picture Library, Bangladesh, in collaboration with Forensic Architecture in the UK, delves into the killing of Abu Sayed, a student activist of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who died during a protest on July 16, 2024. His death marked a significant moment in the ‘July Uprising’, which eventually led to the fall of the then Sheikh Hasina-led government. Challenging the official narrative that claimed Sayed was killed by protesters using bricks and firearms, the counter-forensic investigation presents an alternate account. Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and IGCC celebrate Ashadhi Purnima Utilising interviews, satellite imagery, photogrammetry, heat maps, and extensive photographic and video evidence, the findings suggest police responsibility and excessive use of force against demonstrators. The event was moderated by eminent photographer and activist Dr Shahidul Alam, also Managing Director of Drik. Speakers included Jumanah Bawazir, Advanced Researcher at Forensic Architecture; Tasneem Khalil, Editor-in-Chief of Netra News; Nicholas Alistair Masterton, Technology Researcher at Forensic Architecture; Goljar Rahman Ador, photojournalist at daily Kaler Kantho in Rangpur; Asaduzzaman Arman, staff cameraman at NTV, Rangpur; Tawhidul Haque Siam, a student and university correspondent from Begum Rokeya University; and Parvez Ahmad Rony, Network Coordinator and Photojournalist at Drik. Curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, the exhibition presents a compelling narrative that not only highlights inconsistencies in official accounts but also raises urgent questions about accountability, justice, and state violence. The exhibition and film will remain open to the public until July 26, every day from 3 pm to 8 pm on Level 2 of DrikPath Bhobon.

Global star Priyanka Chopra recently shut down critics in her signature Desi Girl style after facing backlash for choosing a hot dog over vada pav during a light-hearted Q&A session. While promoting her upcoming film Heads of State, Priyanka played a street food preference game with an American journalist. Her choices were balanced at first — she said it “depends on the mood” when asked to choose between empanadas and samosas, and picked “both” when it came to enchiladas versus chicken tikka masala. However, her confession that "hot dog is my weakness" over the beloved Indian vada pav sparked a wave of criticism online. One of the critics, food vlogger Pushpek Sidhu — known for reviewing global spins on Indian cuisine — reacted with disbelief, writing “Ain’t no way” on his Instagram Story. Priyanka didn’t hold back in her reply. She reshared his post on her own Instagram Story, writing, “Wow Bro! Didn’t know there was a syllabus for being desi. It’s not that serious. #vadapav vs #hotdog.” Humaira Asghar found dead weeks after disappearance in Karachi Sidhu responded with humor, posting, “I eat samosa, I breathe samosa, I sleep samosa. My whole personality is samosa... For me, it's very serious @priyankachopra,” followed by laughing emojis. While some netizens accused the actor of “trying to be white” and called her choice “blasphemy,” others defended her, saying food preferences shouldn't determine one’s cultural identity. In the end, Priyanka’s witty and composed response resonated with many fans, reinforcing her message that there’s no rulebook to being Desi — it’s a matter of personal taste. Source: NDTV

The Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, in association with the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), celebrated Ashadhi Purnima on Thursday at the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery in the capital, highlighting the shared spiritual heritage of Bangladesh and India. Marking the sacred day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath—known as Dhammachakkapavattana or the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma—Ashadhi Purnima also signifies the beginning of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic retreat during the rainy season. Sharing blessings on the occasion, Most Venerable Buddhapriya Mahathero, President of the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, emphasised the profound significance of the day in the Buddhist calendar and its timeless call for peace and spiritual discipline. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma addressed the gathering and underlined the deep-rooted Buddhist ties between the two countries. “India, being the land of the Buddha’s enlightenment, first sermon, and Mahaparinirvana, and Bangladesh being home to great Buddhist leaders such as Lord Atisha, reflect a shared spiritual legacy,” he said. He added that India remains committed to preserving and promoting Buddhist teachings and heritage through initiatives such as the Buddhist Circuit, which allows pilgrims to retrace the Buddha’s footsteps from Lumbini to Bodh Gaya, Sarnath to Kushinagar. He also spoke about India’s support for monastic education and conservation of Buddhist artefacts. Vice-Presidents of the Sangha, Ranjit Kumar Barua and Venerable Swarupananda Bhikkhu, were also present at the event, which was attended by youth delegates, monks, artists, academics, diplomats, and members of the Buddhist community in large numbers. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the awakening of wisdom, followed by sacred chants from the Tripitaka led by Venerable Anandamitra Mahathero. A short documentary titled 'The Way of Buddha' was screened, presenting a visual journey through the life, teachings, and global influence of the Buddha. The highlight of the evening was a special dance performance titled 'Buddha – The Enlightened One', choreographed and performed by celebrated classical dancer Anisul Islam Hero, Director of Srishti Cultural Centre and an ICCR alumnus. Trained in Bharatanatyam under the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara in India, Hero has performed internationally in Austria, Japan, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Australia, and is also known for using dance as a tool for social awareness, including HIV/AIDS advocacy. His performance, along with his ensemble, received resounding applause for its artistic depiction of the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the Buddha’s enduring message of peace, compassion, and self-realization, standing as a vibrant symbol of the enduring cultural and spiritual connection between India and Bangladesh.

The body of actor and model Humaira Asghar was found in Karachi's Defense Housing Authority (DHA) after weeks of silence on Tuesday, sending shockwaves throughout the industry. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Zone, Syed Asad Raza, confirmed that the body was found in a flat at Ittehad Commercial, Phase VI. Police had reached the location around 3:15 PM to enforce a court order for the flat’s eviction. When they received no response to their knocks, the Gizri police officers broke the lock and barged into the apartment, where they found the actor’s lifeless body. Suresh Raina to make acting debut with Tamil cricket film Preliminary investigations proposed that the body had been lying there for several days, though the exact cause of her death has not been cleared yet. The body was transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal medical procedures. The deceased body, identified as Humaira Asghar Ali, 32, daughter of Asghar Ali, was renting the flat. Authorities have confirmed that the body is believed to be 15 days old. The cause of her death is yet to be confirmed. Humaira Asghar was a renowned artist in the Pakistan entertainment industry, best known for her roles in Pakistan’s popular dramas like Ehsan Faramosh and Guru. She was also an active social media personality. Her sudden and tragic death has left her fans and coworkers in mourning, while others are waiting for further details on her mysterious death.