United News of Bangladesh

The High Court (HC) on Monday (May 20, 2024) barred Monowar Hossain Dipjol from serving as general secretary of the executive committee of Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association for the 2024-26 term. An HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque also directed relevant authorities to investigate allegations of irregularities in the election. Additionally, the court issued a rule demanding an explanation as to why the election results should not be annulled in light of these allegations. Film Artistes' Association election 2024: Misha Sawdagar elected president, Dipjol general secretary The HC's orders followed a petition filed by actress Nipun Akter, who contested the election for general secretary and is currently in the USA, according to her lawyer, Palash Chandra Roy. Senior lawyer Shah Manjurul Haq, Barrister Harunur Rashid, and Palash Chandra Roy represented Nipun in court, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. Lawyer Manjurul Haq stated that the court's stay on Dipjol's position means he cannot perform his duties as general secretary. The court also mandated the Social Welfare Ministry to investigate the alleged election irregularities. On May 15, actress Nipun submitted a petition to the HC seeking the cancellation of the election results and a restriction on the duties of the Misha-Dipjol panel, which had won the election. Allegations of embezzlement against actor Apurba Nipun also requested the court to set a schedule for a new election. In the election held on April 20, Dipjol defeated Nipun by 16 votes, as announced by Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam Khosru. Dipjol received 225 votes, while Nipun, the immediate past general secretary, garnered 209 votes.

The EMK (Edward M. Kennedy) Center, a non-partisan platform dedicated to open conversation, informed action, and personal growth, celebrated a remarkable evening of musical fusion with "Musical Odyssey 2.0" on Saturday. Currently managed by the JAAGO Foundation and the American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, the center commemorates the cultural and diplomatic interactions between the United States and Bangladesh. This event, attended by over 100 music enthusiasts, showcased an impressive lineup of young, talented musicians who brought the essence of both Bangladeshi and American music traditions to life. “Fatima” set to hit theatres on May 24 The evening featured a stellar array of performances, beginning with a mesmerizing instrumental piece, "duet," that blended the intricate sounds of tabla, flute, and violin. This set the stage for a diverse musical journey that included timeless classics by Rabindranath Tagore, such as " Purono Sei Diner Kotha" and "Bhalobese Sokhi," performed with a mix of cajon, bass guitar, electric guitar, tabla, and keyboard. The soulful renditions of Lalon Sai's " Ami Opar Hoye Bose Achhi " and "Jekhane Saiyer Baram Khana” enriched with traditional instruments like khamak and dotora, highlighted the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Bangladesh. In addition to traditional Bangladeshi music, the event featured contemporary global hits, creating a beautiful tapestry of sound. Richard Marx’s "Right Here Waiting" and Arctic Monkeys' "Do I Wanna Know" brought a touch of modernity, seamlessly woven into the evening’s program. The performances by prominent artists such as Dr. Sajid Rahman (Tabla), Arham Jahin (Violin), and Shaibal Saha (Flute) were particularly noteworthy, showcasing their exceptional talent and versatility. Anjan Dutt set to enthrall fans in Dhaka with Metropolis Volume-2.0 "Musical Odyssey 2.0" served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, aiming to transcend boundaries and connect people through the power of harmonious melodies. The event celebrated not only the musical talents of the youth but also the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the USA. This initiative aligns with the symbolic gesture made by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who planted a banyan tree at the University of Dhaka in 1972, representing friendship, resilience, and hope. The EMK Center continues to be a beacon of cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding through various programs and events. "Musical Odyssey 2.0" was a testament to the unifying power of music, bringing together diverse audiences for a night of magical tunes and unforgettable experiences.

Award-winning film “Fatima” is all set to grace the silver screen in theatres across the country on May 24. The teaser of the film was released on Thursday. “Fatima” takes viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of two young girls, Fatima and Subarna. The teaser skillfully weaves together glimpses of their dreams, wishes, and experiences across different periods. Tasnia Farin, in her acting debut, portrays the character of Fatima. Binge original ‘Baba Someone Is Following Me’ wins best web film at BFDA Awards Speaking about her role, Farin shared, “This marks my first venture into the world of cinema. The initial shooting went smoothly, but it was abruptly halted midway. During the hiatus, I also delved into regular drama work. To my surprise, after nearly eight years, director Dhrubo Hasan called me and expressed his determination to revive the film. I trusted his vision, and in the end, ‘Fatima’ not only fared well but also made its mark at several international film festivals. I was honored to receive the Best Actress award at the Fajr International Film Festival in Iran. Now, like everyone else, I eagerly await the film’s theatrical release.” The production of “Fatima” began a staggering eight years ago under the working title “Dahokal.” Director Dhrubo Hasan faced numerous challenges along the way, but his unwavering commitment ensured the completion of this cinematic gem. The film’s title evolved to “Fatima,” aligning with the story’s development and depth. The ensemble cast features talented actors, including Yash Rohan, Tariq Anam Khan, Pantho Kanai, Manas Bandyopadhyay, Sumit Sengupta, and Ayesha Monika. The distribution rights for “Fatima” have been secured bOTT platform, Bongo. ‘Shaitaan’ Movie Review: A Chilling Fusion of Psychological Intrigue and Supernatural Thrills “Fatima” recently received accolades at the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival in Iran, solidifying its status as a must-watch cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, cinephiles eagerly anticipate stepping into the world of “Fatima” and immersing themselves in its poignant narrative.

Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people. The couple, invited to the West African nation by its military, were treated to different bouts of dancing, starting from the Lagos airport where a troupe's acrobatic moves left both applauding and grinning. One of the dancers, who looked younger than 5 years old, exchanged salutes with Harry from high up in the air, standing on firm shoulders. Going with Meghan's white top was the traditional Nigerian aso oke, a patterned handwoven fabric wrapped around the waist and often reserved for special occasions. It was a gift from a group of women a day earlier. The couple visited a local charity – Giants of Africa — which uses basketball to empower young people. There, they were treated to another round of dancing before unveiling a partnership between the organization and their Archewell Foundation. "What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing," Harry said of the group. "The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing." Masai Ujiri, the charity's president and an ex-NBA star, wished Meghan a happy Mother's Day and acknowledged how hard it can be "for us to be away from our kids and family to make things like this happen." "To do so shows dedication (and) we truly appreciate it," he told the couple. Meghan and Harry later attended a fundraiser for Nigeria's soldiers wounded in the country's fight against Islamic extremists and other armed groups in the country's conflict-battered north. The event was related to Harry's Invictus Games, which Nigeria is seeking to host in the future. The couple were also hosted at the Lagos State Government House, where Meghan received another handwoven Nigerian fabric. "We've extended an additional invitation to them that they can always come back when they want to," Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu told reporters.  

After the success of the 'Anjan in Dhaka Metropolis with Ahmed Hasan Sunny' concert last year, acclaimed Indian-Bengali singer, songwriter, and filmmaker Anjan Dutt is all set to mesmerize his fans n Dhaka with 'Anjan Dutt Metropolis Volume-2’, this Saturday at the Dhaka Arena, Purbachal, 300 feet Expressway. The event will also showcase the Bangladeshi band Kaaktaal and popular singer, songwriter, and music director Ahmed Hasan Sunny, set to perform their soulful songs. Preparations for the concert are over and there will be sponsor booths and many other programs, according to the organizers. There will also be stalls of various brands and their products. The programme is sponsored by Mutual Trust Bank as the title sponsor. Junior Chambers International (JCI) Bangladesh is with this concert as youth engagement and outreach partner. There are special arrangements with Asian Paints, Polar Ice Cream, Dan cake, Pran Up, Vision Smart TV, GoZayaan, Spark, Ama coffee, Maroon, Raw Xposure, 96.4 Spice FM, Arbab Group and Codixel as partners. Popular ticket provider Get Set Rock is distributing Regular and VIP tickets for the event. Anjan Dutt has come to sing in Bangladesh several times before. He made his debut in the entertainment world in the early 80s, acted in many movies and impressed the audience as a self made filmmaker as well, in the West Bengal film industry. As a musician, he is equally popular in both the Bengals, and known for his remarkable songs including “Bela Bose,” “Ekdin Brishti te Bikele,” “Tumi Na Thakle,” “Mala,” “Ranjana,” “Tumi Ashbe Bole” and more. Addressing the event, which is being organized by Assen, Xirconium and Arclight Events, Anondo Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Assen, said, “This concert has been organized to give a memorable evening to the audience. I hope the audience of Dhaka will enjoy a wonderful program.”

For the last two decades, Bangladeshi band music enthusiasts have been waiting to witness the live performance of the original line-up of Black. Tomorrow (Friday), their wait will come to an end as the original line-up of Black will be reunited to perform at the “Rock N Rhythm 4.0; Resurrection of Black” at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) Expo Zone in the capital. Presented by Adventor Communications, the concert promises to be the ultimate music extravaganza, blending contemporary music to suit the taste of the band music fans. Formed in 1998, Black will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and this concert featuring its current and original members is all set to resurrect the band’s iconic line-up which the fans of Black eagerly await to experience tomorrow. The five iconic members of the band are Jon Kabir, Mahmudul Kabir Meraz, Khademul Jahan, Tahsan Rahman Khan and Mehmood Afridi Tony, who last performed together back in April 2005. The concert will feature Warfaze-famed popular expatriate band artist Oni Hasan, who will perform with the music stars in his motherland after 11 years. Also, the popular band Recall, known for their majestic song “Etota Bhalobashi,” will perform for the first time in Bangladesh in this concert. In addition, the concert will feature live performances by Popeye Bangladesh, Cryptic Fate, Old School, and Farooque Bhai Project, and the line-up left the fans awestruck since the announcement of the concert. The previous concerts of Adventor Communications were heavily appreciated by the music lovers of Bangladesh, namely Rock n Rhythm 1.0, Rock n Rhythm 2.0, Rock n Rhythm 3.0; Tribute Fiesta, Anuv Jain Live in Dhaka, Darshan Raval Live in Dhaka, etc were some of its live concerts. The concert will be held at ICCB Expo Zone and the gate will be opened at 1 pm. The live performances will begin from 2 pm onwards. Tickets for "Rock N Rhythm 4.0" are available for purchase at https://tickify.live/events/rnr4/. More information about the concert including the full lineup of performers and schedule, are available at the Facebook Page of Adventor Communications.

Talented film producer Masudul Mahmud Ruhan, known for his collaborations with popular director Vicky Zahed, was found hanging in his East Rayerbazar house in the capital. He was 27. His hanging body was recovered from a mess house in East Rayerbazar of the capital on Wednesday (May 8). The media was informed by a sub-inspector of Hazaribagh police station and the body was recovered from the mess. Ruhan, who was separated from his spouse recently, started living in that East Rayerbazar mess house as he frequently used to travel due to his profession. When his roommate came back to the mess around 11 pm Wednesday he found Ruhan’s body hanging from the ceiling fan and informed police. For the popular OTT platform Chorki, Ruhan produced the critically acclaimed film “Redram,” directed by Vicky Zahed. Their successful collaboration brought a number of well-received web series, including "Ararat," "Champa House," "Shuklapakkha," "The Silence," and “Punorjonmo,” the duo’s most popular fiction work. Artistes and colleagues of Ruhan are expressing their heartfelt grief through social media over the death of this young and talented producer.  

Alia Bhatt is attending her second Met Gala — in a row — but this is her first time wearing a sari on the carpet. The Bollywood superstar wore Prabal Gurung last year, but donned a Sabyasachi design this year. She told the Vogue hosts the on-theme garment took 1,905 man hours and 163 workers to craft.

The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage. Lopez went for silver leaves in a second-skin goddess gown and Zendaya was all vamp and fantasy in a rare double appearance on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Both were co-chairs of the annual fundraiser, and both received cheers from the crowd of fashion enthusiasts packed behind barriers outside. Lopez (in Schiaparelli) was all va-va-voom in a near-naked gown. She’s got the Met Gala down: It’s her 14th. Zendaya put on her fashion face in peacock hues of blue and green, with a head piece to match and leaf accents. The look was Maison Margiela by John Gallliano. She walked again to close the carpet in black Givenchy Haute Couture gown also by Galliano with a head piece stuffed with flowers by Alexander McQueen. It's been five years since Zendaya last attended the gala. Lopez went with Tiffany & Co. diamonds, including a stunning bird motif necklace with a diamond of over 20 carats at its center. Flowers were everywhere, in line with this year’s theme: “The Garden of Time,” inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story of the same name. Mindy Kaling is sure to make the best-dressed lists in sand-colored swirls that towered over her head at the back. No worries about dinner. The back was removable. Her look was by Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta. Usher held a single red rose in a dark and eery black suit and cape, a wide-brim black hat on his head and a black brooch on one lapel. The look was Alexander McQueen by Seán McGirr. FASHION KINGS AND QUEENS ... AND A GOOD WITCH Gigi Hadid brought the drama in a look by the drama king himself, Thom Browne. her white gown was adorned with 2.8 million microbeads with yellow flowers and green thorns. She was high glam in a wavy bob and crimson lips. If there's a queen of the Met Gala besides the evening's mastermind, Anna Wintour, it's Sarah Jessica Parker. The long-time attendee takes each year's theme seriously, researching every detail. This year she was in an Alice in Wonderland look with a lavender overlay and a Philip Treacy topper on her head. The dress was by Richard Quinn. Her long hair tumbled behind her back in beachy waves, a look that built into a beauty trend of the evening. If Parker is a queen, Ayo Edebiri is a gala baby. It was her first one and she showed out in a youthful white look fading into a garden full of colorful flowers at the bottom by Loewe. Serena Williams took metallic gold to another level in a shining one-shoulder statement look. Ariana Grande was all Glinda the Good Witch, making the most of her pale-colored strapless Loewe look with 3D eyelashes at the side of each eye. She arrived with her “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo, dressed in black with pink petals in a darker, edgy look by Thom Browne. Cardi B., who has THE most fun at the Met Gala, struck a pose or three in a statement black gown with a huge tulle train. It was by Windowsen. She paired the look with green jewels and a high black turban. She needed multiple helpers to move her dress up the stairs. CHANNELING SLEEPING BEAUTY AND THE GARDEN Penelope Cruz, meanwhile, went goth in black by Chanel. It had a bustier top and a Sleeping Beauty-like off-shoulder silhouette. There was another Sleeping Beauty-ish guest: Kendall Jenner in a Givenchy look done by Alexander McQueen in 1999. Kendall's sister, Kylie Jenner, was more Old Hollywood than storybook in a chic Oscar de la Renta low-cut strapless look, a white bloom in her clicked-back updo and a train behind. Oddly, older sister Kim Kardashian tightly covered up her gorgeous silver corset look with a leaf motif by Maison Margiela with a lumpy gray sweater.

Marking the occasion of the 75th anniversary of its Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, in collaboration with the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF), is hosting a unique exhibition titled ‘Rise of a Nation’ at the Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University in the capital. Curated by artist Zihan Karim, the exhibition features the captivating photographs of the 1971 Liberation War by world-renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, a member of the esteemed Magnum Photos, who ventured into the war zone in 1971, walking tirelessly alongside freedom fighters (Mukti Bahini) and Indian forces on the battlefield.