United News of Bangladesh

As the entertainment industry grapples with the devastating impact of the California wildfires, many are heading to cleaner mountain air. The annual Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday in Park City, Utah. The 41st edition of Robert Redford’s brainchild will, as always, be a year of discovery and discussion. There are timely films: — “Free Leonard Peltier,” which will premiere just days after former President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of the Indigenous activist nearly half a century after he was imprisoned for the 1975 killings of two FBI agents. — Oscar-winner Mstyslav Chernov’s“2000 Meters to Andriivka,” a joint production between The Associated Press and Frontline about an attempt to liberate an occupied territory in Ukraine — Several films about trans rights including “Heightened Scrutiny,” about civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio. It's a topic even more pressing after President Donald Trump signed executive orders Monday rolling back protections for transgender people. There are even some controversies brewing: “The Stringer,” from documentary filmmaker Bao Nguyen, calls into question who took the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Napalm Girl” photograph. Retired AP photographer Nick Ut and the AP, which conducted a six-month investigation into the allegation, are contesting it and Ut's lawyers have asked for it to be pulled from the program. “The film is an investigation,” said Eugene Hernandez, the director of the festival, who is moving forward with plans to screen it. “I think it will be a really important conversation that will come out over the next few days after the film is seen by more people.” Don’t worry, it’s not all heavy. There’s drama of course, even a film about starting over after a fire (“Rebuilding,” with Josh O’Connor), horror, satire, literary adaptations, comedy, documentaries about famous faces, and some that simply defy categorization. “There’s some really funny stuff in the program,” Hernandez said. One of those Hernandez cited is “Bubble & Squeak,” about a married couple accused of smuggling cabbages into a nation where they’re banned. For first time filmmakers, Sundance can be their chance to break through in a big way. That happened last year for “Dìdi” filmmaker Sean Wang. Some films that debuted last January are still in the awards conversation, like “A Real Pain” and “A Different Man.” For actors, the festival is both a casual respite to awards season glitz (snow boots are more likely on red carpets than high heels) and can be a chance to show audiences a new dimension of their talent. “It’s a strong year of renewal for our artist community,” Hernandez said. “And we have a lot of really great voices and stories that we get to unveil in the coming days.” Here’s everything you need to know: When is Sundance? Sundance runs from Jan. 23 through Feb. 2. There are about 90 features premiering across the 11 days, with screenings starting early in the morning through midnight. Award-winners will be announced on Jan. 31. What celebrities are expected? Stars with films premiering include Jennifer Lopez, Benedict Cumberbatch, Diego Luna, Conan O’Brien, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, André Holland, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, Bowen Yang, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Lily Gladstone, Dev Patel, Emily Watson, John Lithgow, Marlee Matlin, John Malkovich, Rose Byrne, Chloë Sevigny, Josh O’Connor, Ben Whishaw, Dylan O’Brien, Lili Reinhart and Willem Dafoe. What are some of the big movies? One of the greatest things about Sundance is that it’s often the under-the-radar movies that become the breakouts. But some of the higher-profile premieres going into the festival include: Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider-Woman,” starring Lopez; Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)”; “Opus,” a horror about the cult of celebrity with Edebiri and John Malkovich; Andrew Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet,” with Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran; the war satire “Atropia,” with Alia Shawkat; “Pee-wee as Himself,” about the late Paul Reubens; “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore”; and Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman’s doc “The Alabama Solution,” about a cover-up in one of America’s most notorious prison systems. How is the festival addressing the California wildfires? Festival organizers have been in dialogue with filmmakers, staff, audiences and donors about the effects of the fires, supporting and accommodating where possible including pushing back deadlines to allow filmmakers more time to finish. The festival will also have a QR code displayed before screenings for information on sharing resources or contributing to relief efforts. “As hard as the last week has been, this will be a moment to come together,” Hernandez said. “The community’s really responding to support those who need it most right now. I think that’s going to be a profound aspect of this year’s festival.” Is Sundance really leaving Park City? For the most part, yes. Starting in 2027 the festival will no longer be primarily based in Park City. It may stay in Utah but would operate mainly out of Salt Lake City. Other finalists are Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Sundance Institute is expected to announce its final decision in the first quarter of 2025. “Park City as the home of Sundance is such a special place,” Hernandez said. “I look at it optimistically because we have two more exciting years in this current configuration. I think we’re going to make the most of those two years and make them as memorable and meaningful as we can.” When can I watch Sundance movies? Access to the movies premiering at Sundance doesn’t necessary require an expensive trip to Park City anymore. The festival has fully embraced an online component for many of their films. What started as a necessary COVID-19 adjustment has become a vital part of the program. From Jan. 30 through Feb. 2, audiences can stream much of the program online. Prices start at $35 for a single film ticket and go up to $800 for unlimited access. Otherwise, films that secure distribution can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year to hit theaters or streaming services. Steven Soderbergh's “Presence,” which premiered last January, is just hitting theaters this week.  

Netflix added nearly 19 million subscribers during the holiday-season quarter to help propel its earnings beyond analysts’ projections, capping the video streaming service's best year yet in a sign that its expansion into live programming is paying off. The numbers released Tuesday covered a October-December period highlighted by Netflix’s streaming of a widely watched fight between YouTube sensation Jake Paul and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson in addition to two National Football League games on Christmas Day. Those marquee events helped Netflix to easily surpass the 13 million subscribers that picked up in the same quarter during 2023. Although Netflix’s interest in live programming is primarily tied to its efforts to sell more commercials, it also appears to be giving current subscribers another reason to stick with the service while also reeling in more viewers to pay for the service. Netflix ended last year with more than 300 million worldwide subscribers, an increase of 41 million from 2023. That eclipsed its previous best year of growth during 2020 when its service added more 36.6 million subscribers amid pandemic lockdowns that kept people corralled at home and desperate for entertainment. Forrester Research analyst Mike Proulx thinks live programming is quickly becoming Netflix's “secret ingredient” that is helping to widen its lead over its streaming rivals. “With more choice in programming than ever before, streaming services need to differentiate,” Proulx said. “FOMO (fear of missing out) is a powerful tool in piquing interest and creating stickiness.” The October-December breakdown marked the last time Netflix plans to provide a quarterly count on its total subscribers as management tries to get investors to intensify their focus on the Los Gatos, California company’s financial performance. And those figures were robust in the most recent quarter, with Netflix earning $1.9 billion, or $4.27 per share, nearly doubling from the same time in 2023. Revenue climbed 16% from the same 2023 period to $10.2 billion. Read: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in February 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows To juice its finances even more this year, Netflix announced in its shareholder letter that it will be raising its prices in the U.S., Canada, Portugal and Argentina in the upcoming weeks. Netflix didn't spell out its new prices in those markets, but the company increases the costs of its plans in increments of a $1 to $2 per month. Signaling that Netflix is confident the price increases won't trigger a backlash resulting in mass cancellations, Netflix slightly raised its revenue outlook for this year to a mid-range of $44 billion, which would translate into a roughly 13% increase from last year. “When you’re going to ask for a price increase, you better make sure you have the goods and the engagement to back it up,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during a conference call with analysts. Netflix’s shares surged by 14% in extended trading after the report came out. If the shares behave similarly in Wednesday's regular trading session, it will mark a new high for the stock. The shares soared by 83% last year to create nearly $200 billion in additional shareholder wealth as Netflix continued to extend its lead over the rest of the video streaming pack. Besides asking subscribers to pay more, Netflix is trying to sell more advertising as part of an initiative that began in late 2022 with the introduction of a low-priced version of its service that included periodic commercial interruptions for the first time. The commercials are shown to all subscribers during live programming, one of the reasons Netflix is focusing more on the segment, leading to high-priced deals with the NFL, World Wrestling Entertainment and the Women’s World Cup. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters told investors during the conference call that the ad-supported service accounted for more than half of Netflix's new subscribers during the last quarter, Netflix's advertising evolution has "transitioned from crawl to walk” Peters said. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup Netflix still isn’t revealing how much advertising revenue that it’s bringing in, with management saying the amount will remain relatively small for at least another year or two. But Netflix’s main drawing card remains scripted TV series and movies – an entertainment pipeline that this year will include new seasons of popular shows such as “Stranger Things,” “Squid Games,” and “You.” Netflix plans to increase its programming budget to $18 billion this year, an increase of about $1 billion, to keep its video pantry well stocked.

In a swift and efficient operation, the Mumbai Police have arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, for the shocking attack on Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan. The incident took place on Thursday, January 16, at Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The arrest was made possible through a combination of advanced technology, including facial recognition and CCTV analysis. According to police sources, the attack occurred during an alleged burglary attempt at the actor's home. Shehzad, armed with a knife, entered the residence but was confronted by security personnel, resulting in a violent altercation. Although Khan was unharmed, the incident left the local community in shock and raised concerns over safety. Mumbai Police quickly deployed a team of investigators to track down the suspect. Using face recognition technology, a key tool in modern-day criminal investigations, the police initiated a thorough search through CCTV footage from locations across the city. Read: Saif Ali Khan stabbing: Mumbai police detain suspect The breakthrough came when investigators reviewed footage from Bandra railway station dated January 9, which captured Shehzad disembarking from a motorcycle. The authorities meticulously noted the registration number of the motorcycle and cross-referenced it with available records. This led them directly to Shehzad, who had reportedly entered Mumbai from another part of the city a few days prior to the attack. Once identified, the police arrested him without further incident. The use of cutting-edge technology such as facial recognition and license plate tracking has been increasingly employed by law enforcement agencies in India to tackle serious crimes. It highlights a growing reliance on digital tools for crime detection and prevention. Further investigations revealed that Shehzad had been involved in several other criminal activities in the region, although his motives for targeting Khan remain unclear. Shehzad is currently under police custody and will face charges of attempted murder, assault, and burglary. Saif Ali Khan, known for his roles in hit films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Dil Chahta Hai, has expressed relief that the situation was resolved quickly and that no major harm came to him or his family. Read more: Actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed in attempted burglary, undergoes surgery His spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing privacy concerns. The arrest is seen as a major victory for the Mumbai Police, who have faced growing pressure to improve security and tackle rising criminal activity in the city. Authorities have also assured the public that they will continue to adopt technological advancements to ensure public safety. As the investigation continues, police are working to uncover more details about Shehzad’s background and any potential accomplices. They have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain safety across the metropolis. This high-profile case serves as a reminder of the effectiveness of technology in modern policing and its role in protecting public figures and ensuring justice.

TikTok’s app was removed from prominent app stores on Saturday evening just before as a federal law that bans the popular social media platform went into effect. Read: TikTok users grapple with uncertainty, hope and frustration as ban approaches By 10:50pm Eastern Standard Time, the app was not found on Apple and Google’s app stores, which are prohibited from offering the platform under a law that required TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a U.S. ban.

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has recounted the harrowing ordeal when an intruder attacked her husband, Saif Ali Khan, in their Bandra apartment early Thursday morning. In her statement to the Bandra police, Kareena described the assailant as "very aggressive" and confirmed that Saif was stabbed multiple times while trying to protect their family. The attacker, however, did not steal any valuables. The alarming incident unfolded when the intruder was first spotted in the bedroom of the couple’s younger son, Jehangir (Jeh). A house help raised the alarm, prompting Saif to intervene. According to Kareena, her husband’s swift action saved the women in the household and ensured the attacker could not reach Jeh. Saif sustained six stab wounds during the confrontation. Actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed in attempted burglary, undergoes surgery Kareena revealed that she, her children, and the domestic staff were moved to the 12th floor of the duplex apartment for safety during the attack. The family resides in the Satguru Sharan building, occupying the 11th and 12th floors. Despite the violent nature of the incident, jewellery left in plain sight remained untouched by the intruder, Kareena added. Following the assault, Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital. Contrary to initial reports that his eldest son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, accompanied him, it has since been clarified that it was his seven-year-old son, Taimur, and a domestic help who escorted the injured actor in an auto-rickshaw. According to Dr Niraj Uttamani, who treated Saif at the hospital, the actor walked in "like a lion" despite being "drenched in blood" and in considerable pain. "Saif Ali Khan is a real hero," Dr Uttamani said during a media briefing on Friday. The traumatic event left Kareena deeply distressed. She shared that her sister, Karisma Kapoor, took her to her residence following the attack to provide support. In an Instagram post, Kareena called the day "incredibly challenging" and appealed for privacy as her family navigates through this difficult time. Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities yet to determine the intruder’s motive. The incident has raised concerns over security in high-profile residences in Mumbai. Kareena’s statement has shed light on the family’s ordeal, offering insights into the terrifying sequence of events and highlighting Saif Ali Khan’s bravery in protecting his loved ones. Source: Indian media Saif Ali Khan stabbing: Mumbai police detain suspect  

Spotlighting creativity, innovation, and the rich heritage of fashion and trends, the third and 2025 edition of Arka Fashion Week has begun in the capital’s Aloki, Tejgaon. With ‘Denim’ as the theme for the opening day Thursday , the event highlighted the fabric’s timeless versatility, innovative potential, and unifying appeal. One of the key highlights of this year’s Arka FW is the unique addition of Masterclasses. Running from 12-8 pm, the Masterclass series on its opening day brought together some of the brightest minds in fashion to discuss various aspects of design, innovation, and sustainability. Each session offered a unique perspective, allowing attendees to explore various topics. Among the experts who are conducting the masterclasses, designer Sobia Ameen led an engaging session focusing on the future of Bangladeshi fashion, in which she discussed sustainability, talent development, and the importance of representing local identity on both global and local stages. February 2025 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Exclusive Films and Web Series Another unique highlight of the day was the Flash Runway, held at 3:30 pm. Unlike traditional fashion shows, this dynamic event featured participants selected directly from the audience, chosen for how well they represented the theme of the day: Denim. The chosen individuals walked the runway wearing their own creative interpretations of denim, showcasing the versatility of the fabric through a variety of styles and expressions. The Design Lab, one of the major attractions at Arka FW, is a dynamic space where creativity thrives and imagination takes centre stage. This year, attendees can purchase any blank t-shirt, tote bag, scarf, or hat from the lab and personalize using a variety of customization techniques, including block printing, screen printing, hand-painting, patchwork, and more. Beyond creating their own designs, visitors can enjoy live performances from artists offering face painting and tattoo art, hair braiding, and caricature sketches. A dedicated space will also host live art demonstrations, sparking inspiration and adding an entertaining touch to the experience. The Marketplace at Arka Fashion Week is a dynamic hub celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Bangladeshi brands and artisans. It showcases an eclectic mix of established names like Aarong, Dheu, and Arabika, alongside emerging labels such as Nuzart, Dhaka Vintage, and House of SHUI, creating a rich intersection of tradition and modernity. 3rd edition of Arka Fashion Week to be held from Jan 16-19 With sustainability as a guiding philosophy, the Marketplace emphasizes promoting homegrown talent and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. Participating brands and artisans such as Tasha, Protibha, Shoilee, and Dhaka Vintage represent diverse facets of local heritage while incorporating contemporary innovations; and by offering these designers and creators a platform to connect with a wider audience, Arka Fashion Week provides critical exposure to budding entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between tradition and the global fashion landscape, according to its organizers. Unlike the previous editions, this year the Marketplace moved outdoors to accommodate a larger number of stalls, offering visitors a chance to explore timeless traditions and contemporary innovations in an open setting, which Arka FW highlights as its commitment to elevating Bangladesh's fashion ecosystem while fostering meaningful connections and promoting sustainability. Designed to complement the vibrant energy of the event, the Food Zone on the second floor features a diverse lineup of brands including Arabika, Just Juice, Slurps, Waffle-Up, Fruitsicles, Couch Potato, Kora Fry, Birria Stop, Shei Nihari, Izakaya, KONA CAFE, and Lueur Bakery; offering something for every palate - from artisanal beverages to savoury delicacies and sweet treats. The opening day concluded with the performances of Arka x Bhai Bhai Takeover: Munasib, Deathwail, and Bhai Bhai Sound System. Besides the usual offerings alongside several impactful Masterclasses, the second day (Friday) of Arka FW 2025 is themed ‘Modern Contemporary’ and it will highlight bold, innovative designs by Daania, Royal Bengal Couture, DHEU by SaRa, and AMI Dhaka, Kathal among others on its Runway shows, reflecting the spirit of modern fashion. The four-day Arka Fashion Week 2025 will come to its closure on January 19, Sunday.    

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an unidentified assailant in an attempted burglary at his Mumbai residence early on Thursday. The incident occurred around 2am at his Bandra home. Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital at 3:30am, where he was immediately treated for injury. Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer at Lilavati Hospital, confirmed that Khan sustained six stab wounds, two of which are deep, including one near the spine. Khan is currently undergoing surgery, which is being led by a team of medical experts including neurosurgeon Dr. Nitin Dange, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leena Jain, and anaesthesiologist Dr. Nisha Gandhi. Dr. Uttamani stated that the neurosurgery has been completed, but the plastic surgeon is still working on repairing the wounds. The actor is out of danger, and further updates are expected shortly. Khan’s team issued an official statement confirming the attempted burglary and his surgery. The statement urged media and fans to remain patient, as the matter is under police investigation. Initial reports indicate that an intruder broke into Khan’s residence while he was asleep. A struggle ensued, during which Khan was stabbed before the burglar fled the scene. An FIR has been filed at the Bandra Police Station, and three employees of Khan’s household have been taken in for questioning. One of the employees was also injured in the altercation. The Mumbai Crime Branch has launched a parallel investigation and formed seven teams to track down the suspect. While one team is reviewing CCTV footage, others are searching various areas of Mumbai.   Source: NDTV

Melissa Rivers recalled how swiftly the California wildfires spread, forcing the county’s Ready, Set, Go evacuation plan to essentially skip straight to “Set.” That left her with little time to gather her most valued possessions before fleeing her home. When the final warning arrived, Rivers said Tuesday, “The fire was still a canyon away, but you could clearly see the flames.” In the rush to evacuate, she quickly gathered her pets and a few sentimental items, including her late mother Joan Rivers ’ Emmy Award. “I grabbed both my parents’ watches and my dad’s dress watch," which she had given to her son Cooper for his 18th birthday. She also managed to pack a few pieces of clothing. “All our belongings are crammed into three tote bags, three large canvas bags, and several Macy’s plastic bags along with a CVS bag,” she said. The fire completely devastated her property. “We lost everything. The only thing that survived is our front gate and the barbecue,” Rivers shared. She described the scale of destruction as unimaginable. “It’s so much more than just the homes — it’s an entire town wiped off the map,” she said. “Many businesses in Palisades were family-owned. There are people who not only lost their homes but also their businesses and livelihoods.” Finding safe shelter has been another challenge. Read: February 2025 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Exclusive Films and Web Series “We’ve had to move three times due to evacuations, but we’ve settled at a friend’s house in Santa Monica,” Rivers said. “They’ve been kind enough to take us in, along with another family we’re friends with.” Rivers copes with these challenges through her self-proclaimed “dark sense of humor” and her knack for making people laugh. She also finds solace in supporting others who are struggling, which helps to ease her own burdens. “Checking in and comforting the people in my world that are affected by this allows me to not deal with my home stuff right now. I cried once for five minutes and then again for like 20 and don’t have time to do that. I am my parents' daughter.” Despite losing most of her belongings, Rivers is adamant about prioritizing those in greater need. “People are donating, and stores are offering huge discounts. I see so many of my friends from the Palisades wanting to get a discount somewhere. And I keep trying to say to them, these are not meant for you. You can buy another pair of freaking jeans at Neiman Marcus just like you always did. Let the people who really need it have the first shot at it.” Among the charitable donations, one stood out to Rivers. Read more: James Woods posts on X that his house survived LA wildfires ”Apparently, Jennifer Lopez dropped off some clothes. And we were laughing someone, somewhere just got a pair of a Jennifer Lopez’s jeans. How amazing,” she said.

Amazon Prime Video reshapes the streaming experience with unique, engaging, and entertaining content. The February 2025 Prime Video lineup offers an intriguing blend of action adventures, romances, thrillers, comedies, and historical tales. Featuring a mix of fresh films, brand-new series, and much-anticipated new seasons with stellar casts, the global OTT platform brings a robust collection. Let’s delve into next month's must-watch Amazon Prime Original premiers. 6 Must-stream Original Shows on Amazon Prime Video this February . Clean Slate | Comedy | February 06, 2025 From veteran film producer Norman Lear, this comedy series boasts Dan Ewen, Laverne Cox, and George Wallace as its creators. Lear himself executive produced the series with Ewen, Cox, Wallace, Brent Miller, and Simran Baidwan. The drama series centers on Harry, a humble car wash owner in Alabama, whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged child returns after 17 years. That child, now proudly living as Desiree- a determined and unapologetically bold trans woman. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in February 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows Led by Cox and Wallace, the show features a cast that includes Jay Wilkison, Norah Murphy, Phillip Garcia, Telma Hopkins, Zoe Vatekeh, D.K. Uzoukwu, Shena Verrett, and Pat Yeary. The production credit goes to Shantira Jackson, Amos Mac, and Miller. Invincible: Season 3 | Superhero | February 06, 2025 This animated TV series was created by Robert Kirkman and is based on the comic book series of the same name, which he co-created with Ryan Ottley and Cory Walker. Backed by Maude Lewis and Helen Leigh, this superhero animation was jointly developed by Kirkman and Simon Racioppa. This compelling series chronicles the journey of Mark Grayson, a teenager coming of age under extraordinary circumstances. Guided by his father, Nolan Grayson, better known as Omni-Man, the planet’s most formidable superhero, Mark learns to harness his newfound abilities. Meanwhile, he uncovers the weight of responsibility and the darker truths about heroism. Read more: Top Bangladeshi Movies of 2024: Dhallywood’s Biggest Box Office Hits Starring Steven Yeun, J. K. Simmons, and Sandra Oh, the voice cast also includes Gillian Jacobs, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, Jason Mantzoukas, Zazie Beetz, Zachary Quinto, and Grey DeLisle. The action series flourishes with Kirkman, Racioppa, Cory Walker, David Alpert, Margaret M. Dean, Catherine Winder, Evan Goldberg, and the star Seth Rogen as executive producers. My Fault: London | Romantic Drama | February 13, 2025 Penned by Melissa Osborne, this British film reimagined the Spanish film My Fault (2023), which was inspired by the novel Culpa Mia by Mercedes Ron. The story revolves around An 18-year-old girl’s life is upended when she relocates from America to London with her mother and affluent stepfather. As she adjusts to this new chapter, a forbidden attraction blossoms between her and her stepbrother. Meanwhile, her estranged father, recently released from prison, embarks on a quest to reunite with her. Read more: Top 10 Indian Blockbusters of 2024: Record-Breaking Hits Ruling the Box Office Directed by Charlotte Fassler and Dani Girdwood, this romantic movie stars Asha Banks and Matthew Broome. Ray Fearon, Eve Macklin, Jason Flemyng, Enva Lewis, Sam Buchanan, Amelia Kenworthy, Harry Gilby, and Kerim Hassan round out the supporting cast. Bankrolled by Ben Pugh and Erica Steinberg, the movie thrives with Alex de la Iglesia, Kari Hatfield, Carolina Bang, and Domingo Gonzalez as its executive producers.

Envisioning to democratise fashion in Bangladesh, the third edition of Arka Fashion Week will return at its iconic venue Aloki in the capital’s Tejgaon, all set to be held from January 16 to 19. Last year, Arka Fashion Week, held from June 13 to 16, 2024, made a significant impact and captivated the city with unparalleled energy and creativity. Drawing a remarkable footfall of over 20,000 attendees, it became a magnet for the youth and celebrated fashion's transformative power. Vandalism halts Hanif Sanket’s ‘Ityadi’ filming in Thakurgaon Reaffirming its commitment to equitable opportunities for designers and brands of all kinds, Arka Collective and Arka Studio are once again gearing up for the third edition of this mega rendezvous of fashion, and a press conference held on Sunday provided details about the upcoming fashion week.  Asad Sattar, the founder of Arka Fashion Week; and organising committee members including the country’s renowned model-choreographer Azra Mahmud and senior fashion journalist Sheikh Saifur Rahman briefed the journalists about the upcoming edition. In his welcoming remarks, Sheikh Saifur Rahman shared insights into the continuity of Arka Fashion Week and the specifics of this year's event. Asad Sattar elaborated on the details of the event, emphasizing its tradition of introducing new elements each year. ‘Masterclass’ on different topics is one such new feature this year, and over the four days, each day will feature a unique theme, except for the first day, which will not host any shows. Azra Mahmud provided details about the fashion shows and other key aspects of the event. During the Q&A session, she addressed this year’s model selection process, explaining that over 600 applications had been received from which 100 candidates were shortlisted for auditions, and 25 models were ultimately selected. She noted that this year’s lineup includes not only new faces but also returning models from last year and some of the country’s top models. National Board of Review Awards hold space for ‘Wicked’ She added that many of the models have already been doing exceptional work and Asad Sattar echoed this sentiment, pointing out that several models from last year have progressed significantly in their careers, working with major brands like Aarong and others. Regarding the financial aspects of the event, Asad Sattar said the event relies on funding from sponsors. However, these funds are not always sufficient, and the organizers often have to cover expenses on their own. He added that if additional funds become available in the future, they would be used for initiatives to develop the fashion industry further, as Arka is a not-intended-for-profit initiative. Sheikh Saifur Rahman acknowledged the role of the media in helping Arka Fashion Week establish its position within just a year and a half. He expressed gratitude to journalists and assured them that timely and accurate information would be provided during the event. He also invited journalists to attend the masterclasses, requesting advance notice to make necessary arrangements. For others interested in attending the masterclasses, registration and a specific fee will be required. Fashion entrepreneurs and fashion design students in the country are encouraged to participate in the masterclasses. Tahsan finally confirms his marriage to Roza Ahmed This year, Arka Fashion Week 2025 is themed across four days, each day highlighting a unique focus: Day 1 is themed as ‘Denim’, Day 2 as ‘Modern Contemporary’, Day 3 will be celebrating ‘Fusion’ and Day 4 is themed for ‘Sustainability’. These themes not only reflect the diversity of the event but also underscore its dedication to blending heritage, innovation, and eco-consciousness, making Arka Fashion Week a dynamic space for inspiration and growth, the organizers stated. With a total of 12 runway shows, the Runway segment is once again all set to become the centrepiece of Arka Fashion Week, offering a stage for designers to connect with audiences and showcase the future of Bangladeshi fashion. Carefully curated, the runway brings together emerging talent, established brands, and leading names in Bangladesh’s fashion scene, offering a diverse and engaging experience. The first day will not host any Runway show. Day 2 (Modern Contemporary, January 17th) will highlight bold, innovative designs by Daania, Royal Bengal Couture, DHEU by SaRa, and AMI Dhaka, Kathal among others; Day 3 (Fusion, January 18th) will celebrate creativity and diversity, featuring collections by fashion design students featured on the Student Runway, as well as brands GLEE and AMIRÁ, and Day 4 (Sustainability, January 19th) will emphasise on eco-conscious design with collections by Dhong, Tasha, Friendship, Grissho, Bliss, Urukku.Bangladesh, Taan, Aranya, and Kuhu. The brand new ‘Masterclass’ segment this year will host 26 Masterclasses, led by some of the most prominent names and brands in the fashion and creative industries. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from pioneers through sessions such as the Kantha Stitch Masterclass by Afsana Ferdousi, Karchupi & Zardozi Masterclass by Ahmed Tuhin Reza of House of Ahmed, Natural Dyeing with Marigold and Catechu Dyebath by Nawshin Khair of Aranya, Modelling Masterclass by Tangia Zaman Methila, and Fashioning Influence: Community & Identity by Sobia Ameen and Rahemur Rahman, among many others. Besides, other attractions including concerts featuring prominent artists and bands such as Joler Gaan and Indalo among others will enthral the eventgoers, and a dedicated food zone will feature a diverse lineup of brands offering everything from comfort food to artisanal snacks and refreshing beverages. Launched in 2023, the maiden edition of Arka Fashion Week took place from October 26-28 that year, which was followed by its second edition between June 13-17.