United News of Bangladesh

Set to open Tuesday in Arlington, near Dallas, the National Medal of Honor Museum will showcase the experiences and sacrifices of those awarded the nation’s highest military distinction—from the Civil War to the ongoing war on terrorism. More than 3,500 individuals have received the Medal of Honor, which is granted by Congress for acts of extraordinary bravery in combat. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, hopes visitors understand that honorees are not “spectacular supermen” but ordinary individuals who embody essential values. He emphasized that remarkable acts—both in combat and everyday life—are carried out by regular people who recognize the need for action. Jacobs earned his Medal of Honor for bravery on March 9, 1968, when his unit was ambushed by the Viet Cong. After his commander was gravely injured, Jacobs, despite sustaining a severe head wound, reorganized his troops and repeatedly ran through enemy fire to rescue the wounded. He saved 13 soldiers and a U.S. adviser but lost many comrades in the battle. “You wear the award for those who can’t,” he reflected. According to Alexandra Rhue, the museum’s senior vice president of engagement, the institution prioritizes personal narratives. “Visitors first get to know the individuals before learning about their heroic actions,” she said. The exhibits highlight recipients from diverse military branches, backgrounds, and conflicts. Museum President and CEO Chris Cassidy hopes the stories will inspire visitors. “Everyone needs courage in some way,” he said. “Our goal is to share Medal of Honor stories to help people find bravery in their own lives.” The museum includes an interactive exhibit featuring video responses from more than 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, including Jacobs. A grand celebration on Saturday, ahead of the official opening, will include musical performances, fireworks, and a drone show. Located near Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, the museum is set to become a significant landmark in Arlington.  

Sensational young Bangladeshi multitalented artist and singer Zulfikar Noor, popularly known as Angel Noor, has recently suffered a mild stroke, the artist himself confirmed to various media outlets. Speaking about his condition, Noor informed the media that he had been suffering from hypertension for a long time due to personal issues. Doctors believe this led to the stroke. The singer revealed that the incident occurred suddenly four to five days ago, in the middle of the night. The left side of his face became numb, making movement difficult. Hollywood director arrested for swindling Netflix out of $11 million “Right now, I can move my face slightly, but doctors have said it will take some time for a full recovery. Please keep me in your prayers,” the singer stated. Currently studying at North South University, Angel Noor first gained recognition on social media for his cover songs before releasing his own original tracks. Many of his self-written songs quickly went viral. His breakthrough song 'Jodi Abar' turned him into a sensation, even catching the attention of renowned Indian singer Arijit Singh, who shared Noor’s song on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, “What a song!” HC orders screening of 'The Remand' on July Uprising Besides singing, Noor has also showcased his talent on acting and modelling. He has been featured in TV commercials and 'HoiChoi' original courtroom drama 'Mobaroknama' alongside popular actor Mosharraf Karim. Noor also made his theatrical debut with Iqbal H Chowdhury’s film 'Boli' (The Wrestler), playing the son of the protagonist Nasir Uddin Khan.  

The earnings of Indian film actors are often shrouded in secrecy, but occasionally, reports surface revealing the staggering sums that top stars command. While male superstars frequently charge over Rs 100 crore per film, leading actresses are steadily narrowing the pay gap. The title of India’s highest-paid actress has now changed hands, with Priyanka Chopra securing an unprecedented Rs 30 crore fee for her much-anticipated comeback film.  Priyanka Chopra is set to return to Indian cinema after nearly six years, starring in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu. This project also marks her return to South Indian cinema after two decades. According to “Bollywood Hungama”, Priyanka’s remuneration for the film is the highest ever received by an Indian actress for a single project.  A source close to the production revealed, “The delay in announcing her participation was due to extensive negotiations. Priyanka was firm on her fee, and rightly so. Why should only male actors command eight-figure salaries in our industry?”  While Priyanka has previously commanded even higher fees—reportedly $5 million (approximately Rs 41 crore) for Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel—the six-hour runtime of the series justified the amount. DiCaprio’s film delayed as Warner Bros reshuffles releases However, her Rs 30 crore earnings for Rajamouli’s upcoming jungle adventure, currently known as SSMB29, set a new benchmark for female stars in Indian cinema.  Before Priyanka’s latest signing, Deepika Padukone held the record for the highest-paid Indian actress with her Rs 20 crore remuneration for Kalki 2898 AD. Alia Bhatt, a younger counterpart, is said to charge up to Rs 15 crore per film, while other leading actresses such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu reportedly earn Rs 10 crore or more per project.  Since moving to the US in 2015, Priyanka has made only sporadic appearances in Indian films. Her last theatrical release was The Sky Is Pink (2019), following Jai Gangaajal (2016). With inputs from Indian media

Norm Clarke, a former Associated Press sports writer who later became a well-known celebrity columnist in Las Vegas, has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Clarke passed away Thursday at a hospice center in Las Vegas, his brother Jeff Scheid confirmed. Recognizable by his signature eye patch—worn since losing his right eye in a childhood accident—Clarke gained prominence with his Vegas Confidential column for the Las Vegas Review-Journal from 1999 onward. His coverage of celebrity news, including high-profile scoops such as Britney Spears' brief Las Vegas marriage in 2004 and Michael Jackson’s unexpected return to the city in 2006, made him a household name. “Norm’s Review-Journal column was so popular he became a celebrity in his own right,” said the newspaper’s Executive Editor Glenn Cook. A Career Spanning Sports, Breaking News, and Hollywood GossipBefore his Vegas years, Clarke built his reputation as a skilled and aggressive journalist with the Associated Press. He joined the AP in 1973, covering the back-to-back World Series-winning Cincinnati Reds, known as the Big Red Machine. His reporting on Pete Rose’s contract disputes, departure to Philadelphia, and retirement was both groundbreaking and, at times, contentious—culminating in a face slap from Rose years later after Clarke named him one of Las Vegas’ worst tippers. Cartoon Network Legend David Steven Cohen Passed Away Clarke’s journalistic tenacity extended beyond sports. He led AP’s coverage of the deadly 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Kentucky, running a mile to the scene due to traffic gridlock. He was the first to interview a busboy who saved lives by warning diners to evacuate. His exhaustive reporting continued for 16 straight hours. In the 1980s, Clarke was reassigned to Las Vegas, where he covered the tragic MGM Grand Hotel fire, which killed 85 people. Later, as a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News, he chronicled Denver’s successful bid for an MLB franchise and produced award-winning investigative pieces on illegal sports betting. A Love for Journalism, Adventure, and StorytellingClarke’s career was marked by a deep love for storytelling. As a teenager in Montana, his first paid assignment—covering a basketball tournament for $5—sparked a lifelong passion. His adventurous spirit extended beyond journalism. He twice ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and was trampled during the first-ever running of the bulls in Tecate, Mexico. In his final years, Clarke completed his memoir, Power of the Patch, which he wanted to be distributed for free in schools and libraries in the cities where he worked. Melinda Gates reflects on life after divorce, emphasises thriving, personal growth He is survived by his wife, Cara Roberts Clarke, his siblings Nancy Morast and Newell Clarke, and his godson’s family. A memorial service will be scheduled later. Source: With input from agency 

Can you recall watching Courage the Cowardly Dog, the animated cartoon series? Courage, also known as a pink dog, captivated the children with its spooky and fantastical tales. David Steven Cohen joined the show's writing staff in season one and eventually rose to the position of chief writer after John R. Dilworth created it. The writer died from cancer at the age of 58. Under his great creativity, Cohen played a pivotal role in creating the popular show's dark comedy, which entertained millions of kids on Cartoon Network. After joining the writing staff in season one, Cohen wrote many standout episodes before the show's 2002 finale. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows The strange and emotionally complex world of Courage the Cowardly Dog was greatly influenced by David Steven Cohen. Some of the most famous episodes, such as Klub Katz, 1000 Years of Courage, Forbidden Hat of Gold, and The Sand Whale Strikes, showcased his masterful storytelling. Cohen was significantly more imaginative than Courage. He contributed his literary skills to some well-known works, such as Phil of the Future, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, and Balto. About the Cowardly Dog of Courage The gloomy, barren hamlet of Nowhere, Kansas, is the setting for the darkly humorous animated series Courage the Cowardly Dog. It centres on Courage, a courageous but easily terrified dog who lives with his elderly owners, Muriel and Eustace Bagge. Their peaceful farmhouse turns into the scene of strange and frequently paranormal events, requiring Courage to defend his unaware owners from evil dangers. The show is still a gem among animated television series because of its bizarre comedy, spooky atmosphere, and unusual storyline. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films

The Latin Grammys are getting closer to cinema and television with the new best music for visual media category. The new category announced Wednesday will recognize original music for movies, TV shows, video games and other visual media. For a project to participate in this category, it must feature Latin rhythms or be composed by someone of Ibero American descent. “It is a category that we had been analysing for almost three years,” Luis Dousdebes, the Latin Recording Academy's chief awards, membership & preservation officer, told The Associated Press. “We were told 'there is a lot of production here that is being orphaned a little in the process.’” After analysing statistical information, meeting the Latin creators of music for visual media and finding the necessary experts for the committee that will vote in the category, the academy decided to create the category. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco postpone wedding to focus on album release “We know that in the near future it will mutate into other categories and, logically, it will be differentiated between soundtracks, music for video games, best song, all sort of things,” Dousdebes said. The Latin Grammys will also add a best roots song category. This award will go to the songwriters of new, unpublished recordings that reflect the traditions and roots of various communities, cultures, or social groups, especially those of Hispanic American origin, whether in Spanish, Portuguese or Indigenous languages or dialects. The changes are immediate and will be effective for the 26th edition of the Latin Grammys to be handed out in November in Miami. Among other changes announced by the Latin Recording Academy, the best pop vocal album category will be renamed best contemporary pop album and the best Latin children’s album will now become best children’s album. The best urban/urban fusion performance category has a new name, and its criteria has also changed. Now, remixes are eligible only if the original version of the song was released within the same eligibility year. The required percentage of urban elements has increased from 51% to 60% to qualify in this category. The songwriter of the year category reduced its minimum song threshold from six songs to four, and the best long form music video category now has a minimum duration of 12 minutes (not including the credits, unless they contribute to the creative process). The screening and voting process for the producer of the year category was also modified to be recognised as a craft, and thus, will now be screened and voted on by a specialized committee in addition to the membership screening and voting process.

The inaugural World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held from May 1 to 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, with the goal of fostering stronger global connections in the entertainment industry. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka hosted a press briefing at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Gulshan to provide more details about the event on Wednesday. Speaking at the briefing, Ann Mary George, First Secretary (Culture) at the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, said that the maiden edition of WAVES aims to bring together the leaders of the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry from across the globe, including TV & radio, news media, music, advertising, animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, social media, online creators, artificial intelligence, film, OTT platforms, and exhibitors. The Summit includes Global Media Dialogue of Ministers & Policymakers, Roundtable of M&E CEOs, WAVES Awards recognising the best of the M&E industry, 22 international challenges, masterclasses and workshops, classical and fusion cultural performances, showcasing media startups, plenary and conference sessions, Bharat pavilion and exhibition, and an e-marketplace for M&E industry, called WAVES Bazaar. As part of the maiden edition, a dedicated Bharat Pavilion & Exhibition will showcase India's media landscape, while the WAVES Bazaar will serve as a revolutionary e-marketplace for the global M&E industry, according to Ann Mary George. The summit will also include a Prime Minister-Level Roundtable, a closed-door session for policymakers and government representatives from various countries, further underlining its significance as a global event.

Selena Gomez and her fiancé, Benny Blanco, have decided to delay their wedding plans in order to concentrate on their upcoming album, I Said I Love You First, which is set for release on March 21. In a recent interview with E! News, Blanco shared that while Gomez is constantly coming up with new wedding ideas, they have chosen to prioritise their music collaboration for now. “I think every day she’s planned a new wedding in her head,” Blanco joked. Instead of rushing into wedding preparations, the couple is embracing this time to create together. For Gomez, working on the album has been an incredibly special experience. “I genuinely feel like this is such a special time that we get to apply it to this album and really just pour our heart into it,” she explained. “It’s a chance to completely translate what we feel and share it with the world.” Meghan Markle faces backlash over allegedly faking homemade waffles Blanco, 37, added that the couple is still savouring the joy of their engagement, which was announced in December after Blanco’s romantic proposal during a Taco Bell picnic. “We’re very much ‘take it one day at a time’ type of people. We’re still not over this moment,” he said. The couple has been recording the album in their in-home studio, which Gomez described as “the most intimate” recording experience she’s ever had. I Said I Love You First combines their personal stories, with Gomez noting, “This whole project embodies his stories combined with mine. They have meanings that are really just personal to both of us.” Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows

Aamir Khan and his girlfriend Gauri Spratt made their first public appearance on Tuesday after confirming their relationship. On the eve of his 60th birthday, the Lagaan star introduced Bengaluru-based Gauri to the media. The couple was spotted outside the Excel office in Mumbai, where Aamir greeted the paparazzi while waiting for Gauri to step out. As she emerged, he escorted her to the car, while Gauri appeared to avoid the cameras and quickly got in. Aamir Khan introduces partner Gauri Spratt, opens up about marriage plans At a media interaction on March 13, Gauri shared what she sought in a partner and why she chose Aamir: "I wanted someone who was kind, a gentleman, and just caring," she said. Aamir playfully replied, "And after all that, you found me?" The two have known each other for 25 years, though they lost touch for a long period. They reconnected two years ago and developed a relationship. "I was looking for someone I can be calm with, who gives me peace. And there she was," Aamir revealed. Acknowledging the intense media attention, Aamir said, "I have tried to tell her how it will be, the media madness, and prepare her somewhat for it. She isn't used to it. But we are hoping that you guys will be kind." Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman Gauri, who has little connection with the film industry, has not watched most of Aamir's movies. "She grew up in Bangalore, and her exposure was to different kinds of films and arts. So she doesn't watch Hindi films. She has probably not seen much of my work, too," Aamir explained. According to her LinkedIn profile, Gauri currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai and is a mother to a six-year-old child. Source: NDTV  April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases

Meghan Markle is once again at the center of controversy, this time over something as unexpected as homemade waffles. Following the backlash surrounding her latest Netflix show, the Duchess of Sussex is now facing fresh criticism after social media users accused her of misleadingly presenting store-bought waffles as homemade. On March 17, Meghan shared Instagram Stories of herself pouring green-colored batter into a waffle iron. The finished waffles, decorated with whipped cream and kiwi slices, were described in her captions as a festive treat for Prince Harry and their two children—5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet. However, observant social media users quickly noticed inconsistencies. They pointed out that the waffle iron in her video was divided into four quarters, yet the waffles she showcased had no such markings. This sparked speculation that she had not actually made them and had instead passed off store-bought waffles as her own. Atif Aslam’s new naat elevates spirituality during Ramadan The criticism was swift and unforgiving. Many accused Meghan of fabricating yet another aspect of her life, with some branding her a "walking scam." "I immediately saw the difference when I saw the video. I couldn't grasp the reason to lie about waffles. What kind of person needs to do that? Meghan Markle is a walking scam," wrote one X user. Another commented, "Meghan Markle's relentless compulsion to lie about everything is baffling—even over something as trivial as a waffle. She posted a video of herself using a waffle maker with a divider, yet the so-called 'homemade' waffle she presented looked exactly like a store-bought one, missing the dividers that should have been there. Why stoop to such a pathetic, pointless lie? This constant need to twist reality and deceive—especially over something so insignificant—is deeply concerning. She seriously needs help!" Belgian actor Émilie Dequenne dies at 43 from cancer A third user remarked, "Wouldn't be surprising at all! The effort she puts into staging even the simplest things is almost impressive. Imagine going through all that just to fake a waffle—it's like she can't help herself." Source: NDTV