United News of Bangladesh

A US federal judge is deliberating on how to proceed in a lawsuit concerning the release of Prince Harry’s immigration records, which could potentially expose legal issues regarding his visa application. The conservative think tank Heritage Foundation is pushing for the disclosure to determine whether Harry misrepresented his past drug use or received special treatment upon entering the US. The case, overseen by US District Judge Carl Nichols, revolves around how Harry—King Charles III’s son—was granted entry when he and Meghan Markle moved to California in 2020. The Heritage Foundation sued after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied most of its Freedom of Information Act request seeking access to the documents. Harry himself is not involved in the lawsuit. “We believe Americans have the right to know whether Prince Harry was honest on his application,” said Nile Gardiner, director of Heritage’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom. The case gained attention after Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare detailed past drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelics. US visa applications ask about drug history, and lying on the form can lead to deportation. However, truthful admissions do not automatically result in denial, as waivers can be granted. Stars and athletes bring buzz into New Orleans before big game in the Big Easy Attorney Samuel Dewey, representing Heritage, suggested Harry may have either secured a DHS waiver or obtained a diplomatic visa. Both are legal but could fuel claims of favouritism. Judge Nichols is assessing whether to release DHS officials' sworn statements explaining why the agency withheld records. He is also considering requesting additional government documents or consulting an outside expert. Meanwhile, Gardiner has called on former President Donald Trump to intervene and order the records’ release.

The Super Bowl isn't just a game on Sunday. It'll involve a nearly week-long spectacle taking over New Orleans with non-stop entertainment leading up to the big showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. While the Chiefs and Eagles gear up for their championship rematch, the Big Easy will be the epicenter for star-studded concerts, exclusive parties, a comedy show and guest lists filled with A-listers. From Post Malone, Cardi B to Shaquille O'Neal, the city will be buzzing long before Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs attempt a monumental three-peat. “It's going to be fun. It's going to be different than other Super Bowls,” said Shaquille O'Neal, who will host his popular carnival-themed Shaq's Fun House on Friday night. It's a hot ticket — starting at $199 — for the NBA legend's over-the-top festival event featuring headline performances from Ludacris, John Summit and O'Neal under his stage name DJ Diesel. O'Neal's event will feature several attractions including a Ferris wheel, circus performers and premium bar. This will be somewhat of a homecoming week for O'Neal, who played college hoops at Louisiana State University and visits Louisiana about four times a year. For Flavor Flav, he wants to help lift up morale in New Orleans following the aftermath of the terror attack that killed 14 people on New Year's Day. “This is going to be special. I'm here to uplift spirits,” said Flav, who will perform at Guy Fieri's Flavortown Tailgate along with Diplo and Cowboy Mouth on Sunday afternoon. It's free for general admission with paid upgraded experiences for $49.99 and $349 for a VIP ticket. “I'm getting on the turntables to make people party and have a good time," he said. Along with those events, here's a look at some of the invite-only and public events during a busy Super Bowl week: Fanatics Party Michael Rubin's Fanatics Super Bowl party is impossible to get into without an invite. The star-studded affair on Saturday afternoon is strictly for the who's who of sports and entertainment. Rubin, the founder and CEO of Fanatics, will likely be front and center, taking in performances from Post Malone, Travis Scott, Don Tolliver and many more. The expected attendees include big names such as Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Lil Baby, Tiffany Haddish and Tom Brady. Madden Bowl Just like EA Sports' iconic phrase, “It's in the game,” Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton and Shaboozey will literally be in the game at the Madden Bowl. The trio is set to separately take the stage Friday night, bringing the hype before the some competition kicks off. “I can't wait to keep this party going,” Shaboozey said. Along with performances, the event will include the Madden NFL 25 Championship Series in front of a live audience — where two of the world's best player will travel to New Orleans for their share of the $1 million prize pool. 1714 Stradivarius violin set to break auction records Double up for some, Triple duties for Post Malone & Diplo The Madden Bowl won't be the only stage where Stapleton will showcase his powerhouse vocals. The country star is set to headline the SiriusXM and Pandora concert on Thursday night. Stapleton's performance will air on SiriusXM's Chris Stapleton Radio, an exclusive channel curated and presented by him and his band. Pandora listeners can access the Chris Stapleton Radio station. After Ludacris takes the stage at Shaq's Fun House on Friday, the rapper will perform Sunday at On Location's Super Bowl pre-game party. He'll be joined by rock band The Revivalists at the Club 67 and Touchdown Club just outside the Caesars Superdome for One Location — a premium hospitality provider of the NFL. Post Malone will be making moves too. He's scheduled to perform at three different events. Along with Fanatics, the superstar artist will hit the stage at the Bud Light Backyard Tour on Friday, then he's set to headline the YouTube Tailgate Concert on Sunday near the Superdome. Diplo will perform at parties for Sports Illustrated and the UnKommon Pre-Game along with Guy Fieri's tailgate event. Gospel celebration Bill Bellamy and Rocsi Diaz will bring some gospel flavor to the Big Easy. The tandem will host the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration on Wednesday night. The lineup includes some of music's best from The Isley Brothers, Muni Long, Yolanda Adams, Tori Kelly and Jonathan McReynolds. Other performances include New Orleans natives Master P, Big Freedia, Lucky Daye and Trombone Shorty. The NFL Players Choir will also participate. “Hosting the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is like hitting the trifecta: music, faith, and football all in one show,” Bellamy said. "I’m excited to bring some laughs, some energy and to be part of this incredible night with an amazing lineup.” Michael Strahan, an NFL Hall of Famer and “Good Morning America” co-anchor, will receive the Lifetime of Inspiration award. He called the honor “truly special.” New Orleans Saints player Cameron Jordan will be given the community award while Los Angeles Rams star rookie Jared Verse will be honored with the rising star award. Timbaland and Maxim Super producer Timbaland will bring his massive hits into New Orleans with the help of Maxim. Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu dies Timbaland will perform at a special concert at the Maxim Saints & Sinners Big Game Party on Saturday. The show will include performances from DJ Loud Luxury, Plastik Funk, DJ unKommon and former NFL player Le'Veon Bell. DJ unKommon and Diplo will be featured performers at a pregame party Friday. 50 Cent, Kaskade and taco pop-up for first responders 50 Cent will serving up his biggest rap hits with special guest Sommer Ray at Ohm Lounge on Saturday night. Earlier in the day, the Mister Oso x Ortega Tailgate Taco Pop-Up welcomes the public, but it’s also dishing out dinner for 40 New Orleans first responders and their guests. And on Friday, Kaskade — who was the in-game DJ at Super Bowl last year — takes over Ohm Lounge for a night of electrifying beats. Other concerts happening around the Super Bowl Captain Morgan will transform Bourbon Street into Rum Street with the help of T-Pain, who will headline a concert on Saturday night. Shortly after his set there, he'll head over to perform at TAO Presents: The Big Speakeasy, an event that'll feature performances from Doechii and Jermaine Dupri at the House of Verizon. On the same night, Cardi B is expected to perform at the “Cardi Gras.” 50 Cent will hold the Super Bold Comedy Block Party with standups from Bill Bellamy, Chico Bean and DC Young Fly. Dom Dolla and Diplo will perform at the Sports Illustrated Party. On Friday, Nelly and Chainsmokers is set to perform at h.wood Homecoming and Draft Kings event. Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochosinco" Johnson will do an in-person podcast called the Nightcap NSFW Tour.

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