United News of Bangladesh

Eminent Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin returned home on Tuesday after receiving treatment for three days at a private hospital in Dhanmondi. “Doctors have discharged Sabina Yasmin, stating her condition is now stable. She has no major complications but has been advised to rest extensively,” music artist Jahangir Sayeed told the media. Sabina Yasmin fell ill on stage last Friday during her first live performance in over a year. This was a special tribute event by the HSBC Bank Bangladesh at the Grand Ballroom in the capital’s Hotel Sheraton, marking her stage return. The 70-year-old singer had captivated the audience for over an hour before suddenly feeling unwell. She was initially taken to a hospital in Gulshan but was later shifted to the Dhanmondi hospital when her condition worsened early Saturday morning. Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin in HDU Sabina Yasmin, a legendary figure in the Bangladeshi music scene, was born on September 4, 1954, in Dhaka. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Sociology from Dhaka University. Hailing from a culturally vibrant family, she made her first stage appearance at the age of seven; her playback debut came in 1962 with the film ‘Notun Sur’, and she rose to prominence with the 1967 movie ‘Agun Niye Khela’. Over her six-decade-long career, she has worked with renowned composers like RD Burman, Hemanta Mukherjee, and Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, to name a few; and collaborated with major artists in the subcontinent such as Shyamal Mitra and Asha Bhosle. Sabina Yasmin has lent her voice to over 10,000 songs, including the iconic patriotic track ‘Jonmo Amar Dhonno Holo Mago’, which inspired freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War. Sabina Yasmin has received the highest state honours and numerous other accolades for her contributions to music, including the Ekushey Padak (1984), the Independence Award (1996), and 14 National Film Awards. Her fans and well-wishers across the country are hoping for her speedy recovery and a return to good health.

A general diary (GD) has been filed against actress Sadika Parveen Popi over allegations of attempting to seize ancestral land. Her elder sister, Firoza Parveen, lodged the GD at Sonadanga Police Station in Khulna on Monday night. The investigating officer, Sub Inspector (SI) Golam Mostafa, said, “This appears to be a family dispute. Both parties will be called in for discussions, and necessary legal steps will be taken accordingly.” According to police sources, Popi, along with her husband Adnan Uddin Kamal and two associates, Kallol Majumdar and Shipon, allegedly attempted to take possession of family land in Khulna’s Shibbari area around 12:30pm on Monday. Film actress Nipun banned for life from Shilpi Samity When Firoza Parveen resisted, she was allegedly threatened by Popi and her husband. Locals reported that the actress and her husband are currently staying in Khulna. Popi’s mother, Mariam Begum, expressed concerns over her daughter's alleged actions, saying, “My daughter was fine before, but since her marriage, she has been threatening us in various ways. She is trying to take over her father’s land, and we are constantly being harassed.” Echoing similar concerns, Firoza Parveen said, “We are four sisters and two brothers. Popi, being the eldest, has been trying to seize the land for years. Since our father’s death, she has harassed us repeatedly. Now, she is even issuing threats.” Popi, a three-time National Film Award-winning actress, made her debut in 1997 with the film “Kuli”. However, she has remained out of the public eye for nearly four years.

Barbie Hsu, a Taiwanese actress who starred in the popular TV drama “Meteor Garden” that once swept Asia, died after contracting pneumonia triggered by the flu. She was 48. Hsu, better known as “Da S” which means “Big S,” caught the flu when she visited Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year, according to her younger sister, Dee Hsu, also a famed TV host. Dee Hsu said the pneumonia was a flu complication. “I am grateful that in this lifetime I was able to be her sister, taking care of each other and being companions. I will forever be thankful for her and miss her!” Dee Hsu said in a statement on Monday, without specifying where and when her sister died. World's oldest person dies at 116 The news about Barbie Hsu's sudden death shocked audiences in Taiwan and China, where many had watched her shows since her early career. In China, news of her death was trending on the social media platform Weibo. “It feels like someone you’re so familiar with is suddenly gone," wrote one Weibo user. "This is unbelievable. Her two children, poor kids. May she rest in peace.” Hsu broke into the industry when as a teenager she formed a pop music group called S.O.S. with her sister Dee Hsu, popularly known as “Xiao S” or “Small S.” The pair later switched to hosting TV shows and won many young fans. In 2001, Meteor Garden beamed Barbie Hsu's name into many households in Asia. She played the female leading role in the romance drama, which also starred the boyband F4. After gaining widespread popularity, she continued to advance her entertainment career through other TV dramas, movies and talk shows. In recent years, her personal life also made it into the news, in particular her high-profile divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Her fallout with Wang, their heated exchanges on social media following their divorce in 2021, and their legal battles often made headlines. She later married Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as “DJ Koo." Harry Chandler, Navy medic who survived Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, dies at 103 Hsu was passionate about defending animal rights and collaborated with groups including PETA. “Barbie was one of the first and biggest stars to lend her support to PETA,” read a statement by the organization's senior vice president, Jason Baker. “She spoke up countless times for animals, directly urging brands to stop selling fur.” Hsu is survived by Koo and two children she shares with Wang.

The 2025 Grammy Awards celebrated some of the biggest names in music, with Beyoncé securing the prestigious album of the year award for Cowboy Carter, while Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us won both song and record of the year. The ceremony featured performances from Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. Meanwhile, Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe honored the late producer Quincy Jones in a special tribute. The event was hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive year. Beyoncé shared her special moment with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. The 13-year-old, who recently starred in Mufasa, has been a frequent presence alongside her mother, from red carpet appearances to performances. She stood by Beyoncé’s side as she accepted her award, embracing her in an emotional moment. Chappell Roan wins best new artist Grammy Award Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter marks the first album by a Black woman to win album of the year in 26 years, following Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It is also the first country album to win since Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour in 2019. With 11 nominations, Cowboy Carter tied Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the most nods for a single album. Charli XCX turned the Grammys into a party with her BRAT rave. She performed her song Von Dutch in a high-energy set surrounded by fans and friends, including Julia Fox, whom she wished a happy birthday. She also sang Guess, a song about guessing the color of her underwear, with a message on screen stating that all undergarments would be donated to survivors of domestic violence. With her wins for best country album, best country duo/group performance, and album of the year, Beyoncé’s total Grammy count now stands at 35—further cementing her status as the most awarded artist in Grammy history. Shakira wins best Latin pop album The show, which ran just 20 minutes over schedule, was packed with performances, tributes, and calls for wildfire relief. Taylor Swift was seen toasting Beyoncé’s victory alongside Jay-Z. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé dedicated her win to Linda Martell, a trailblazer for Black artists in country music, saying, “I hope we keep pushing forward and opening doors.” Beyoncé’s Country-Inspired Couture Though she skipped the red carpet, Beyoncé made a striking appearance in a custom Schiaparelli gown to accept the best country album award. The fitted dress, adorned with a bandana-inspired pattern of sequins and beads in champagne and cream, paid homage to country-western aesthetics. Her opera gloves added an extra touch of elegance, reinforcing her signature country-meets-high-fashion style that has defined Cowboy Carter since its release last March.

The 2025 Grammy Awards are recognizing some of the most talented performers and biggest hits in music. Beyoncé enters as the leading nominee for her acclaimed album, “Cowboy Carter.” The show began at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific and can be streamed via CBS and Paramount+. Chappell Roan wins best new artist Grammy Award Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx are performers. Will Smith, Stevie Wonder and Janelle Monáe are presenting a tribute to the late, legendary producer Quincy Jones. Comedian Trevor Noah is hosting the show for the fifth consecutive time.

Chappell Roan nudged aside Sabrina Carpenter to win the Grammy for best new artist Sunday, capping a remarkably explosive rise to fame for an artist dropped by her last record label. Roan, who is openly queer and taps into drag culture, was the sassy toast of the pop world in 2024 with tracks that include “Good Luck, Babe!” “Red Wine Supernova” and “Hot To Go!” from her 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” In her speech, she called for record labels to give a livable wage and health care, especially for developing artists. “It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized,” Roan said. She ended with a line that got plenty of cheers: “Labels, we got you but do you got us?” Roan is also up for three other Grammys — album of the year, song of the year and record of the year. She lost both best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album to Carpenter. For the best new artist crown, Roan beat out Carpenter, Benson Boone, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims. Roan began her music career in 2015 when she signed with Atlantic Records, releasing several singles including “Pink Pony Club.” In 2020, the label dropped her. She moved back to her hometown to work as a barista before releasing her debut full-length album. Roan first hit the mainstream as the opener for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour and drew a record-breaking crowd at Lollapalooza. She also won best new artist at the 2024 MTV VMAs, beating Shaboozey, Gracie Abrams, Tyla and Teddy Swims. “I think that a lot of the songs are from daydreams, and a lot of that daydreaming happened from Missouri, from this repressed state of not having a queer community growing up and feeling really weird,” she told the AP in 2023. She joins past best new artist winners like The Beatles, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Culture Club, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Lauryn Hill, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Adele, Dua Lipa and Chance the Rapper.

Renowned folk singer Farida Parveen has been admitted to the ICU of Universal Medical College Hospital in the capital with several health complications.  According to her family, Farida Parveen has been suffering from kidney-related issues for a long time and was  recently diagnosed with fluid accumulation in her lungs and a mild pneumonia infection.   "Since her admission, Alhamdulillah, her condition has significantly improved. She is currently under observation at  the ICU," says her son Imam Zafar Numanee.   "We are staying with her. Please pray for her recovery and InshaAllah we hope to take her home very soon," he added. The family members of the eminent singer also requested everyone, including the media, to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation about her health.   Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin in HDU Farida Parveen is widely acclaimed for her contributions to Bengali folk music, especially her renditions of Lalon's songs. In 1968, her musical career started with performing Nazrul Sangeet for Rajshahi Radio.  She eventually studied Lalon music under the tutelage of her spiritual guru Moksed Ali Shah after becoming well-known in the early 1970s for her patriotic songs.  In acknowledgment of her contributions to music, she received the Ekushey Padak in 1987. She was also conferred with the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 1993, while the Japanese government awarded her the ''Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize'' in 2008.  Sabina Yasmin collapses on stage amid returning performance

Meghan Markle, wife of Britain's Prince Harry, is making a grand return to the entertainment industry. With plans to re-enter television through her upcoming cookery show, she is reportedly investing heavily in her appearance. According to InTouch Weekly, Meghan has spent a significant amount upgrading her wardrobe as she prepares to step back into the public eye. A source revealed that she has always had a taste for luxury fashion but is now adapting to the extravagant standards of Montecito’s elite. “The social circle she’s in consists of ultra-wealthy individuals who regularly wear jewellery worth hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions, on a daily basis,” the source added. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2020, Meghan and Harry have settled into a $14.65 million mansion in one of the city's most upscale areas. To blend in with the high society, Meghan is reportedly focused on maintaining an impeccable image. Breakout Sundance films and key takeaways from this year's festival “She believes looking the part is essential, which is why she has hired an A-list stylist to ensure she embodies quiet luxury at all times. Creating an aspirational brand requires effort and significant investment, but for Meghan, it is necessary,” the source claimed. Before marrying Harry in 2018, Meghan gained fame through her role in Suits. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, she and Harry produced Harry & Meghan, a Netflix documentary released in 2022. Now, Meghan is gearing up for her next venture—With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle series under her Netflix deal. The show, which blends practical advice with candid conversations, was announced last month. She also returned to Instagram to promote it. With Love, Meghan is expected to premiere later this year. Source: with inputs from wires

CBS says it will turn over an unedited transcript of its October interview with Kamala Harris to the Federal Communications Commission, part of President Donald Trump's ongoing fight with the network over how it handled a story about his opponent. Trump sued CBS for $10 million over the “60 Minutes” interview, claiming it was deceptively edited to make Harris look good. Published reports said that CBS' parent company, Paramount, has been talking to Trump's lawyers about a settlement. The network said Friday that it was compelled by Brendan Carr, Trump's appointee as FCC chairman, to turn over the transcripts and camera feeds of the interview for a parallel investigation by the commission. “60 Minutes” has resisted releasing transcripts for this and all of its interviews, to avoid second-guessing of its editing process. Khaby Lame joins UNICEF as goodwill ambassador The case, particularly a potential settlement, is being closely watched by advocates for press freedom and by journalists within CBS, whose lawyers called Trump's lawsuit “completely without merit” and promised to vigorously fight it after it was filed. The Harris interview initially drew attention because CBS News showed Harris giving completely different responses to a question posed by correspondent Bill Whitaker in clips that were aired on “Face the Nation” on Oct. 6 and the next night on “60 Minutes.” The network said each clip came from a lengthy response by Harris to Whitaker's question, but they were edited to fit time constraints on both broadcasts. In his lawsuit, filed in Texas on Nov. 1, Trump charged it was deceptive editing designed to benefit Harris and constituted “partisan and unlawful acts of voter interference.” Trump, who turned down a request to be interviewed by “60 Minutes” during the campaign, has continued his fight despite winning the election less than a week after the lawsuit was filed. The network has not commented on talks about a potential settlement, reported by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Paramount executives are seeking Trump administration approval of a sale of the company to another entertainment firm, Skydance. ABC News in December settled a defamation lawsuit by Trump over statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, agreeing to pay $15 million toward Trump's presidential library rather than engage in a public fight. Meta has reportedly paid $25 million to settle Trump's lawsuit against the company over its decision to suspend his social media accounts following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.

Khaby Lame, the Senegal-born world’s most popular TikTok personality who never says a word in videos watched by millions of followers, addressed the youth in his native country on Friday when he was appointed as UNICEF goodwill ambassador. The 24-year-old influencer, who has over 162 million followers, rose to fame with charming videos of his reactions to everyday life in which he never says a word. His following surged during the pandemic, when he was fired from his factory job and used the extra time on his hands to make and upload more videos. Being a UNICEF ambassador will allow him to “see all the world and its problems,” Lame said, adding that he hoped he could contribute to solving some of them. “It’s a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children’s rights front and center every day,” Lame said in a statement. “From my own experience as a child fearing poverty, struggling to find my passion at school, and losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, to finding my place and calling in the world, I know that all children can thrive when they are given a chance and opportunity.” UNICEF appoints 16-year-old Gargee as new youth advocate in Bangladesh  Senegal is a major source of irregular migration to Europe. Over 60% of Senegalese people are under 25, and 90% work in informal jobs. They have watched for years as money made from natural resources has gone overseas, and many say they have no other choice but to embark on treacherous journeys in rickety fishing boats across the Atlantic. “I tell them to dream big,” Lame said when asked about his message to Senegal's youth. “Try and do your best to accomplish your dreams, even though there are people telling you that you cannot reach them.” Lame moved to Italy from his native Senegal when he was an infant with his working class parents, but was only granted Italian citizenship when he was 20. “I’ve been in Italy for 20 years since I was only 2 years old,” Lame told The Associated Press in Dakar. Looking sharp in a beige suit and a matching tie, he added: “My blood is from Senegal, but I feel Senegalese and Italian at the same time.” Lame's appointment to UNICEF came at the end of a four-day visit to Senegal where he met children and young people who are driving positive change in their communities.