United News of Bangladesh

On the eve of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, the exhibition titled ‘Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning’ was inaugurated at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. The exhibition, curated by Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury, showcases some rare and iconic photographs that celebrate Bangladesh’s indomitable courage during the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistani military and the man who led the nation during its most trying and finest hour, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On Thursday, the exhibition was inaugurated with the presence of State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Trustee of Center for Research and Information (CRI) Nasrul Hamid, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Director of Samdani Art Foundation Nadia Samdani, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and others. Renowned French photographer Anne de Henning was supposed to attend the opening of the exhibit, however, she was unable to join due to a flight delay. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said: "Henning was a fearless young woman. She traveled across Bangladesh to take photos; fear could not stand in her way." "I told Henning that you only had your camera to accompany you. And then I asked if she was concerned about her safety," Nasrul said. "She said she knew nothing called fear at that time and was full of courage, and the photos that she took are a testament to that. Only one name – 'Mujib' – inspired her in her journey. She came to Bangladesh again in 1972 to discover more about her source of inspiration." "As Henning came here, she found Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sitting on the stage. The colourful photos of that time can be seen at this exhibition," Nasrul said.

In celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Bangladesh and the 104th Independence Day of Romania, Cosmos Foundation hosted an exclusive exhibition in the capital on Monday night. The special exhibition was held at the Garden Gallery of the Baridhara residence of Enayetullah Khan, Honorary Consul of Romania in Bangladesh, Editor-in-Chief of UNB and Dhaka Courier, and Cosmos Foundation Chairman. Hosted by Enayetullah Khan and Daniela Sezonov Tane, Romanian Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, the exhibition showcased seven unique artworks by visiting Romanian artist-sculptor Alexandru Poteca and ten paintings of renowned Bangladeshi artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa. The event was joined by noted personalities and dignitaries including politicians, diplomats and business leaders. Regarding the event, Enayetullah Khan said, "This is a very important event for us, as we are celebrating 50 years of our friendship, our partnership with Romania — a great nation of artists, a great nation of painters — and also it is our pleasure to celebrate the country’s 104th anniversary of independence." Read more: 23rd Young Artists' Fine Arts Exhibition ends "Also, this month is emotionally important for us, because this is the month we achieved victory after long sufferings and sacrifices of the millions; and Romania was one of the first few countries in the world to recognise Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent country," he added.

Showcasing 125 majestic artworks of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, Gallery Chitrak organised an exclusive exhibition titled “Struggle” (Sangram) at Dhanmondi in the capital. Curated by Sumon Wahed, Assistant Professor at the Dhaka University Department of Fine Art, the exhibition is displaying artworks from the personal collections of the Zainul family, with around 80 artworks being displayed for the first time. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held on Tuesday evening at Gallery Chitrak, which was inaugurated by eminent artist, art maestro and master painter Rafiqun Nabi. Summit Group Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan joined the inauguration ceremony as the special guest, and the ceremony was presided over by popular thespian, former Cultural Affairs Minister and Awami League lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor. Advisory committee members of the exhibition including Shilpacharya’s son Engineer Mainul Abedin, DU Faculty of Fine Art Dean Nisar Hossain and DU Department of Bangla Chairman Syed Azizul Huq joined the inauguration ceremony, alongside Gallery Chitrak Executive Director Md Muniruzzaman and other distinguished members from the country’s art sphere. “Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin was not only an artist and art educator; he was an institution himself. For the first time, Shilpacharya’s 125 majestic artworks from the personal collection of the Abedin family are being exhibited in this exclusive exhibition, and this is a great opportunity for the art admirers to explore the historic and influential artworks of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin,” Rafiqun Nabi said at the event.  Read more: Bashir Ahmed Sujan's solo panoramic photography exhibition begins at AFD

Over the years, The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has gone to such luminaries as Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, George Carlin and Ellen DeGeneres. Next year, it's going to the guy who made us crack up as Happy Gilmour. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said Tuesday that Adam Sandler would receive the prestigious award at a gala on March 19. Read more: Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets a top award for comedy “Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on ‘SNL,’” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement. “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing." The 56-year-old actor-comedian, who this year starred in the well-received Netflix basketball drama-comedy “Hustle,” has created a list of funny films, like “Happy Gilmore,” “Billy Madison,” “Grown Ups,” “Big Daddy,” “The Longest Yard” and “The Waterboy.” His role as Howard Ratner in “Uncut Gems” garnered Sandler several nominations and awards, including winning the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Award.

Jin, the oldest member of K-pop supergroup BTS, began his 18 months of mandatory military service at a frontline South Korean boot camp Tuesday, as fans gathered near the base to say goodbye to their star. Six other younger BTS members are to join the military in coming years one after another, meaning that the world's biggest boy band must take a hiatus, likely for a few years. Their enlistments have prompted a fierce domestic debate over whether it’s time to revise the country’s conscription system to expand exemptions to include prominent entertainers like BTS, or not to provide such benefits to anyone. With lawmakers squabbling at Parliament and surveys showing sharply split public opinions over offering exemptions to BTS members, their management agency said in October that all BTS members would perform their compulsory military duties. Big Hit Music said that both the company and the members of BTS “are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.” Read more: BTS' Jin makes guest appearance at Coldplay concert in Argentina Jin, who turned 30 earlier this month, entered the boot camp at Yeoncheon, a town near the tense border with North Korea, for five weeks of basic military training together with other new conscript soldiers, the Defense Ministry said. After the training involving rifle-shooting, grenade-throwing and marching practices, he and other conscripts would be assigned to army units across the country. About 20-30 fans — some holding Jin’s photos — and dozens of journalists gathered near the camp. But Jin didn't meet them as a vehicle carrying him moved into the boot camp without getting him out. “I want to wait (for) Jin and see him go into the military and wish him all the best,” Mandy Lee from Hong Kong said before Jin’s entrance to the camp. “Actually it’s complicated. I wanna be sad. I wanna be happy for him,” said Angelina from Indonesia. "Mixed feelings. He has to serve (for) his country.” Angelina, like many Indonesians, uses only one name. Read more: South Korean army appears to want to conscript BTS members A couple dozen fans could be seen as a small turnout given Jin's huge popularity. But Jin and his management agency had earlier asked fans not to visit the site and notified them there wouldn’t be any special event involving the singer, in order to prevent any issue caused by crowding. Authorities still mobilized 300 police officers, soldiers, emergency workers and others to maintain order and guard against any accidents, according to the army. Strict safety steps were expected as South Korea is still reeling from the devastating Halloween crush in October in Seoul that killed 158 people. Hours before entering the camp, Jin — whose real name is Kim Seok-jin — wrote on the on the online fan platform Weverse that “It’s time for a curtain call.” He posted a photo of himself Sunday with a military buzzcut and a message saying, “Ha ha ha. It’s cuter than I had expected.” By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must serve in the military for 18-21 months under a conscription system established to deal with threats from North Korea. But the law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have won top prizes in certain competitions and enhance national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t given such benefits even if they gain worldwide fame and win big international awards. “Though BTS members have opted to go to the military, there are still some sort of regrets,” said Jung Duk-hyun, a pop culture commentator. “Those in the pop culture sector experience little bit of disadvantages and unfairness, compared with those in the pure art sector or athletes. This will likely continue to be an issue of controversy so I wonder if it must be discussed continuously.” Exemptions or dodging of duties are a highly sensitive issue in South Korea, where the draft forces young men to suspend their studies or professional careers. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and Lee Ki Sik, head of South Korea’s enlistment office, previously said it would be “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service. Chun In-bum, a retired lieutenant general who commanded South Korea’s special forces, said the government must move to repeal any exemptions as the military’s shrinking recruitment pool is “a very serious” problem amid the country’s declining fertility rate. He called a debate over BTS’s military service “unnecessary” as it wasn’t raised by BTS members, who have shown willingness in carrying out their duties. BTS was created in 2013 and has a legion of global supporters who call themselves the “Army.” Its other members are RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, who is the youngest at 25. The group expanded its popularity in the West with its 2020 megahit “Dynamite,” the band’s first all-English song that made BTS the first K-pop act to top Billboard’s Hot 100. The band has performed in sold-out arenas around the world and was even invited to speak at United Nations meetings. Hybe Corp., the parent company of Big Hit, said in October that each member of the band for the time being would focus on individual activities scheduled around their military service plans. In October, Jin released “The Astronaut,” a single co-written by Coldplay. Jung, the commentator, said sold projects could give BTS members much-needed time to develop themselves after working together as a group for many years. But Cha Woo-jin, a K-pop commentator, said it’s unclear if BTS would enjoy the same popularity as a group when they get together again after finishing their military duties in a few years. In August, Lee, the defense minister, said BTS members who are serving would likely be allowed to continue practicing and to join other non-serving BTS members in overseas group tours. Cha said K-pop’s global influence wouldn’t be hurt much because of BTS members’ enlistments as they “appear to represent K-pop but aren’t everything of K-pop.” Chung agreed, saying that other K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and aespa could rise further.

To celebrate the undeniable links among climate, river, music and youth, the second concert of "Nodi Rocks" is set to enthral music lovers Monday at the Jahangirnagar University's (JU) Mukta Mancha. "Nodi Rocks Concert – Song of Rivers and Lives," the first of its kind, aims to create awareness towards climate and connect the youth to rivers using the power of music. Chirkutt, Ashes, Smooches, Bangla Five and F Minor will perform at the six-hour concert, which will start at 4pm. In September, Arbovirus, Cryptic Fate, Chirkutt, Ashes, Smooches, Bangla Five and F Minor mesmerised the audience while showcasing a befitting tribute to the riverine beauty of Bangladesh at the first Nodi Rocks Season 1 concert at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital. Nodi Rocks is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme, and the government of Sweden. The project is the brainchild of Sharmin Sultana Sumi, Chirkutt's founding member-vocalist and managing director and creative director of Salt Creatives.

Popular actors Zahid Hasan and Tauquir Ahmed are set to make their first appearance together in a web series with streaming platform Bioscope's mystery thriller "Ke" in January next year. Ke, produced by Shahriar Shakil under the production of Alpha-I studios, depicts the story of two close friends, played by Zahid and Tauquir, who are writers by profession. As the complexities of life unravel, they find it hard to differentiate between truth and lie. Read more: ‘Agantuk’ wins Film Bazaar Award in Goa The web series narrates a murder mystery of deception, lies, and hallucination and seeks to find the answer to "who is speaking the truth and who is telling the lie?" A launch event of the ensemble cast of the series was held in the capital recently. The cast of this web series including Zahid, Tauquir, Sanjida Pretty, Dilruba Doyal, Tanzika, director Gautam Kairi and producer Shakil joined the launching event. Regarding the venture, Tauquir said: "I believe this mystery-based story will delight the audience. Moreover, after many days I acted together with Zahid Hasan. If the audience likes the story, acting, and production, everyone's hard work will be worthwhile." Gautam said: "The mystery in Ke will unfold through the story of a family. It was a memorable occasion for me to be able to work together with two versatile actors in my first series. There are stories within stories." Read more: ‘Hoyto-Noyto': A satire on the times Zahid said: "After listening to the initial plot of the story, I was mesmerised. This web series is full of suspense and thrill. Also, Gautam is a very organised and sincere director. I think the series will entertain cross-sections of audiences." Solaiman Alam, Grameenphone chief digital and strategy officer, said: "Today's consumers have new expectations and preferences on media consumption. It is our pleasure to bring together the two most popular and versatile actors in the industry through this web series."

Celine Dion has put a halt on all performing after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. In an emotional video messages posted in French and English on Thursday on Instagram, Dion said stiff person syndrome was causing spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing. “Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” she said. Dion said she had no choice but to postpone her “Courage” tour, which was to restart in February after several delays. Her spring 2023 shows have been moved to 2024 and her summer 2023 concerts have been canceled. “I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now,” she said. Read: Celine Dion announces Courage World Tour, new album in 2019 Stiff person syndrome causes rigid muscles and painful muscle spasms, which can be triggered by such things as loud noises or light touch. The cause isn’t known but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Severe cases can cause difficulty walking and hunched posture. Dion, who has five Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards, is the best-selling female artist of all time with hits like “I’m Alive” and “My Heart Will Go On.”

The 19th edition of the Asian Art Biennale, the longest-running international art biennale event in Asia, is now all set to welcome the art enthusiasts from home and beyond at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Thursday. The month-long art extravaganza will be inaugurated by Prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who will virtually raise the curtain of the biennale as the chief guest of the opening ceremony at the National Theatre Hall of the academy at 10 am. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid will chair the inaugural ceremony, which will be joined by Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur, President of the jury board of the event artist Rafiqun Nabi and jury board Jaroslaw Suchan as special guests. Sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 will include 649 pieces of art created by 493 artists from 114 nations, including 149 Bangladeshi artists. Three grand prizes and six honourable mention prizes will be announced at the opening ceremony. On Tuesday, a press briefing was held at the Seminar Room of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, where BSA Director General and chief coordinator of 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 Liaquat Ali Lucky shared the details of the long-awaited flagship event of the organisation with the media. “This 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 is dedicated to the country's founding President and the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who envisioned and established Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy which has been organizing the Asian Art Biennale,  the largest art exhibition in Asia, for the past 40 years,” Lucky said at the press conference. The 19th edition will showcase two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks such as paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, performance arts, installations and new media arts, crafted and presented by the participating native and foreign artists who channelled their contemporary thoughts through these artworks, Lucky said at the press conference.  Read more: 19th Asian Art Biennale to begin March 1, 2021 Eyeing for a regular event like the previous years, BSA had to postpone the 19th edition several times, according to Lucky. “Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we had to change the schedule for this biennale more than three times. Although we held other major exhibitions within the period, we are really happy to finally host this grand festivity at this time,” he said.  The 19th edition will feature a two-day international seminar titled ‘Home and Displacement’ with the participation of local and foreign artists, art critics, jury and observers. The seminar will be held on Friday and Saturday at the National Art Gallery Auditorium and Seminar Rooms of the National Theatre Building of the BSA. In addition to the main exhibition at BSA, the Bangladesh National Museum will display 42 artworks of Bangladeshi legendary master artists from its collection as a part of the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022. The international jurors of the 19th Asian Art Biennale - Iwona Blazwick from the UK, Jagath Weerasinghe from Sri Lanka, artist Nurseren Tor from Turkey, and Jaroslaw Suchan from Poland were also present at the press conference, alongside BSA Fine Arts Director Syeda Mahbuba Karim and BSA Secretary Salahuddin Ahmed. The 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 will welcome its visitors till January 7, every day from 11 am to 8 pm.    

Popular Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has received an invitation from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to unveil the 2022 Qatar World Cup trophy during the upcoming finals, according to Indian media reports. Although FIFA is yet to make an officially announcement regarding this, a source close to the internationally renowned actress reveals that she will be unveiling the trophy, according to the Times of India. Read more: Bollywood star Deepika quizzed in drug probe Deepika is said to be flying to Qatar to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy at the final that is scheduled to be played at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on December 18. If officially announced, this will be the first time an Indian celebrity will unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy. However, it is still unknown whether she will take part in any other cultural event or not. Read more: Unpredictable FIFA World Cup 2022: What we can expect more in the knockout rounds Deepika Padukone has participated as a jury member at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France. She is the first Indian chosen to be the international face of iconic brands like Levi’s and Adidas, as well as premium labels like Louis Vuitton and Cartier.