Earth360° Festival, an annual art festival that uses visual storytelling to raise environmental awareness and inspire actions for a sustainable future, is currently ongoing at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) in the capital. Inaugurated on February 17, the four-day event is organised by Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI), an environmental non-profit, in partnership with the US Embassy in Dhaka. This year, Earth360° Festival is themed on “Rivers and Riverine Lives” to showcase a variety of stories about the country's rivers and river-dependent lives. James Gardiner, Economic Officer at the US Embassy Dhaka and Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) founder Shamir Shehab graced the opening ceremony as guests. The opening ceremony on Saturday was followed by the first Earth360 dialogue on ‘Artists with Conscience’, in which cartoonist and editor of Unmad Ahsan Habib, artist Wakilur Rahman, political cartoonist Mehedi Haque discussed and engaged with the audience on the transformative power of art in championing social and environmental causes. BYEI is an environmental non-profit organisation that has been working on environment, nature and climate change issues with youth and children to develop the next generation of planetary stewards since 2009 and regularly organises various programmes. This festival features photography and digital art exhibition, film shows, and dialogues sparking debates, discussions and critical discourse focusing on river and river dependent lives of the Bengal delta. On February 17, children from various schools of Dhaka participated in a drawing competition. Today (February 19), a special screening of the critically acclaimed film titled 'Shunte Ki Pao! Are you listening!’ by renowned director Kamar Ahmad Simon will take place at the BSK screening hall. Over 1200 submissions have been received in different categories for the official selection in the festival. A total of 70 photographs and digital arts are being displayed in the exhibition.  

The maiden edition of Community Digital Storytelling Festival (CDSTF) concluded on Saturday at the Daffodil Smart City successfully. The two-day event was held on the 16th and 17th of February by the Daffodil International University (DIU)'s Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC), showcasing 39 films from nine countries out of 106 submissions. After its successful opening on Friday, the festival concluded on Saturday with the closing session, featuring special screenings amid the presence of distinguished guests, and enlightening parallel sessions. Films were screened from three of the four categories — 'Journalism Category', 'DIU Best Community Stories' and the 'One Minute Category' — on the closing day, at the International Conference Room, Knowledge Tower, Daffodil Smart City. During the event, the Dean of FHSS, Prof Dr Liza Sharmin, graced the occasion as a special guest and delivered a speech on the significance of digital storytelling. She complimented the participants for their efforts and contribution towards making the festival a success. The second day ended with the Project Director of Bangladesh Film Archive, Dr Mofakhherul Iqbal, as the chief guest, who introduced a documentary on the role of foreign media in the Liberation War back in 1971. Professor Dr Golam Rahman, the Editor of daily Ajker Patrika and Advisor of the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, DIU delivered the vote of thanks. On the first day of the festival, Anindo Banerjee, Head of Content, Chorki, graced the occasion as a special guest and expressed appreciation towards the event stating, "There are hidden stories all around us that need to be spoken, and CDSTF is doing that, doing their social responsibilities properly." Ayub Uddin Shihab won in the one-minute category, while Mohammad Sheikh took home the DIU Best Digital Story award. Additionally, Mithun Majumdar and Rabita Khandaker shone in the Journalism category. Moreover, a special documentary titled 'Gawe ka Padi' was shown on the first day of the event, directed by the Australian filmmaker-researcher Max Schleser, who joined virtually to answer questions regarding the film. Selected films in the 'Independent Category' were also screened on the same day.

Popular actress Mahiya Mahi will be getting a divorce from her husband Rakib Sarker. The actress made the announcement herself in a video posted on her Facebook page Friday (February 16, 2024) night. At the same time, she requested netizens to not make lewd comments about her personal life, specially her child and asked for prayers instead. Read more: Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories"

Bongo, one of the leading OTT platforms of the country, embraces romantic fervor with its latest Valentine's Day extravaganza, "Love Stories." This captivating campaign features four enchanting short films, each a testament to the magic of love, brought to life by renowned filmmakers Mizanur Rahman Aryan, Kajal Arefin Ome, Giasuddin Selim, and Vicky Zahed, said a media release. Drawing inspiration from the timeless tales found in Bishwajit Chowdhury's beloved book "Sholpo Doirghya Premer Golpo," these cinematic gems promise to whisk viewers away on a journey of romance and passion. From Aryan's heartwarming "Booking", Ome’s “Dukkhito”, Selim’s “Gaiyaa” to Vicky's poignant "Extra," each film captures the essence of love in its purest form. Starring a constellation of talented actors including Pori Moni, ABM Sumon, Ziaul Haque Polash, Parsa Evana, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Khairul Basar, Niloy Alamgir, Sabila Nur, and more, these love stories are sure to tug at the heartstrings of audiences far and wide. Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, the visionary producer behind "Love Stories" and Bongo's esteemed Chief Content Officer, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking campaign: "Valentine's Day holds a special place in our hearts, and we wanted to celebrate it in grand style. With 'Love Stories,' we're not only bringing captivating tales of romance to our viewers but also introducing an innovative gifting feature. Now, fans can share the love by gifting their favorite stories to their loved ones, and even stand a chance to attend our exclusive Love Stories Gala Night, where dreams come true." Experience the magic of "Love Stories" on Bongo for just Tk 14 taka per short film, or indulge in all four for just Tk 29. But the excitement doesn't end there! Viewers can spread the love by gifting these enchanting films to their beloveds, with 50 lucky couples winning a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with their favorite stars at the Love Stories Gala Night with an unforgettable dinner experience.

Tasrif Khan and his band ‘Kureghor’ will perform in a concert to be held at Jagannath University (JnU) on February 28 to collect fund for the treatment of a cancer-affected student. The student is Zaheer Uddin Shakhawat, of the Marketing Department of the university of 2016-17 academic year , has been suffering from blood cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The concert will be held at 3 pm on the day in the science faculty premises of the university. Read: Ahmed Rubel’s body to be kept at Shilpakala Academy for people to pay respect 

The BLCPS, or Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society, the first and only Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for Music authorised by the government, organised a star-studded conference on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace Auditorium in the capital’s Gulshan Club. Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC (The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), delivered the keynote speech on the importance of CMOs and their function and activities in creating worldwide music intellectual property rights and collecting royalties. Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office, Bangladesh joined as the chief guest at the event. Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC, was present as the special guest at the event, presided over by eminent music director Sheikh Saadi Khan. Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time Several of the country’s eminent and popular music stars joined the special conference, where the BLCPS demonstrated a spotlight vision in safeguarding the intellectual property of Bangladesh's music producers, in support of the government's ongoing efforts to develop a 'Smart Bangladesh'. The conference, hosted by popular singer Alif Alauddin, began with a minute of silence in respect of the country’s legendary composer Alauddin Ali and popular vocalist Andrew Kishore, who have been actively involved with the BLCPS from its inception in 2013, working diligently for the entity despite their severe illness. In the conference, the BLCPS acknowledged the contributions of these two late great artists with heartfelt respect and wished their eternal peace. BLCPS Trustee Sujit Mostofa said, “In our country, many of our artists do not about their rights and how to collect their royalties. Under the leadership of BLCPS President Sabina Yasmin along with the dedication of the BLCPS team members, we are aiming to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.” Hamin Ahmed, CEO of the BLCPS, echoed the same, adding, “Through BLCPS, lyricists, composers, and performers will be able to receive their due royalties from both within and outside of the country. It’s not any organization but an entity for the betterment of the industry, and anyone from the industry can join the entity regardless of their membership in any organization.” Japan wants everyone to know: Taylor Swift will make it in time for the Super Bowl Demonstrating an insightful presentation on the importance of CMO, honourary advisor of the CISAC Satoshi Watanabe praised the BLCPS while emphasising the importance of the CMO (Collective Management Organisation) in safeguarding music intellectual property rights and royalty collection worldwide, highlighting the potential benefits of membership in a collective management organisation such as the BLCPS. Chief guest of the event Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office lauded the BLCPS for taking the initiative and assured necessary assistance to the entity from the government. BLCPS Legal Advisor Barrister ABM Hamidul Misbah also spoke at the event, which concluded with the vote of thanks from the chair of the conference Sheikh Saadi Khan. In addition to the keynote presentation at the conference, Satoshi Watanabe conducted a three-day training earlier in Dhaka to address the BLCPS's capacity requirements as the only CMO in Bangladesh that works with the CISAC. The CISAC aims to improve communication, interest protection, and technology sharing across nations. For its specific focus on the development of lyricists and composers, this international confederation is called the leading global organisation that is actively working for the betterment of lyricists and composers. The CISAC is currently active in a total of 116 countries with its 225 CMOs and over 5 million creators; and its diverse field of works includes music, audiovisual, drama/play, literature, and visual art – and the people actively involved in these genres. Web Film "Osomoy" Shatters Records, Surpassing 2023 Hit "Hotel Relax" in only 8.5 days In addition to the CISAC, the United Nations' autonomous organisation, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), has been working for the preservation of intellectual property (IP) and the intellectual creations of people from 193 member states around the world, as well as the preservation of information and policies related to this. Sections 38-44 of Chapter 9 of the Bangladesh Copyright Act safeguard individuals' intellectual property interests. The BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society) is the first CMO for the music industry in Bangladesh. Founded in 2013, the organisation received its licence from the government in 2014 to accomplish its vision to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.

Taylor Swift won album of the year at the Grammy Awards for “Midnights,” breaking the record for most wins in the category with four. She began her speech by thanking her producer and friend Jack Antonoff and added, “I would love to tell you this is the happiest moment of my life,” she told the crowd, but said she feels this happy when she creates music and plays shows. Earlier in the night, Taylor Swift used her 13th Grammy win on Sunday to announce her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” will arrive April 19. Read: Japan wants everyone to know: Taylor Swift will make it in time for the Super Bowl  “I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans,” she said while accepting the best pop vocal album award. “So, I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years." One of the night’s biggest awards, record of the year, went to Miley Cyrus for “Flowers,” her second-ever Grammy and second of the night. “This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” she said in her speech. Victoria Monét won best new artist. “Thank you to the champagne-servers tonight," Monét began her acceptance speech. “Thanks to my mom, a single mom raising this really bad girl." Then she started to cry, telling the room that this award was “15 years in the making.” Billie Eilish won song of the year for writing the “Barbie” hit, “What Was I Made For?” She thanked director Greta Gerwig for "making the best movie of the year.” It was just one of several standout moments from Sunday's show, hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Cypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Karol G made Grammy history Sunday by becoming the first female performer to win best música urbana album for her blockbuster “Mañana Será Bonito” record. “This is my first time at the Grammys,” she told the audience in English. “And this is my first time holding my own Grammy.” Performances were many. Olivia Rodrigo brought her bloodsucking ballad “vampire” – or in this case, bloodletting, as red liquid dripped from the walls behind her. Joni Mitchell, 80, made Grammy history by performing “Both Sides Now” from her 1969 album “Clouds”; Travis Scott did a medley of “My Eyes,” “I Know?,” and “Fein.” Burna Boy was joined by Brandy and 21 Savage and did “On Form,” “City Boys,” and “Sittin’ on Top of the World." A long and touching In Memoriam segment celebrated many of the musical greats lost last year. Stevie Wonder performed “For Once in My Life” and “The Best Is Yet To Come” in honor of Tony Bennett; Annie Lennox delivered “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinéad O’Connor. “Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world,” Lennox said at the end of the song, her fist extended in the air. Read: ‘The Cord of Life’ bags best film as curtain falls on 22nd DIFF  Jon Batiste did a medley of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” and finally “Optimistic” with Ann Nesby for the late great music exec Clarence Avant. Oprah introduced a fiery Tina Turner tribute of “Proud Mary” by Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone. SZA also took the stage – performing a medley of her larger-than-life hits “Snooze” and “Kill Bill," joined by dancers wielding katanas. Later, she'd take home the trophy for best R&B song — for “Snooze,” handed to her by Lizzo. SZA ran to the stage and gave a charming, out of breath speech because she was “changing, and then I took a shot.” Luke Combs’ delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman – his cover of the Chapman classic has dominated country radio and won him song of the year at the 2023 CMAs. In 1989 the song won Chapman best female pop vocal performance. Dua Lipa opened the show with a high-octane medley: first, a tease of her forthcoming single, “Training Season,” then, her most recent single, “Houdini," and finally, her disco-pop “Barbie” hit “Dance the Night." Eilish and Finneas also brought “Barbie” to the Grammys stage with live string accompaniment. They were followed by Cyrus, who performed “Flowers” for the first time live on television. “Why are you acting like you don't know this song?” she teased the crowd — John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen were among those in the audience who got up to dance — and later cheered mid-song, “I just won my first Grammy!” Best country album went to Lainey Wilson for “Bell Bottom Country,” — her very first Grammy — as presented by Kacey Musgraves. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter,” she told the crowd, adding that she’s a “songwriting farmer,” and that’s where the musical magic came from. Jay-Z was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used his speech to talk about the hip-hop greats that came before him – and heavily suggesting at the Grammys history of placing rap on the backburner – or at the very least, not in the televised version of the show. (This year, there were no rap categories on the telecast, but two pop, one Latin, one country and one R&B.) Read: Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' tops all Oscar nominees with 13; 'Barbie' snags 8  “We want you all to get it right,” he said. “At least get it close to right,” before switching focus to Beyoncé. “Most Grammys, never won album of the year. How does that work?” Bridgers took an early lead at the Grammys, quickly winning four trophies ahead of the main telecast, with her and her boygenius bandmates bringing an infectious energy to the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony. Jack Antonoff took home producer of the year, non-classical for a third year in a row, tying Babyface as the only other producer to do so consecutively. “You need the door kicked open for you,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Taylor Swift kicked that (expletive) door open for me," he said. The first of three new categories in 2024, best pop dance recording, went to Kylie Minogue for “Padam Padam" — her first win in 18 years. About 80 Grammys were handed out pre-broadcast. Regional Mexican star Peso Pluma won his first Grammy for his first and only nomination, for best música Mexicana album for his “Genesis.” Best African music performance, a new category which aims to highlight regional musical traditions and recognizing “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent,” went to South African singer Tyla for her ubiquitous hit, “Water.” “I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 21 years old,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Last year God decided to change my whole life.” Killer Mike won three awards in quick succession Sunday night, but ended up in police custody before the main Grammys ceremony began because of an altercation, police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said. The rapper won his first first Grammy in 21 years, for best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” which featured André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane. Soon afterward, they won for “best rap song.” Killer Mike also took home best rap album for “Michael,” cheering, “It is a sweep! It is a sweep!” Billy Joel was both the penultimate and final performance of the night. First, he brought his new track “Turn the Lights Back on” — his first new music in decades — live to the Grammy stage. Then, after album of the year was announced, he returned to the stage for his 1980 classic, “You May Be Right.” A welcome surprised was the inclusion of Celine Dion, who handed Swift her record-breaking trophy. “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she told the audience. In 2022, Dion revealed she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which causes spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing. 

Taylor Swift, who is holding concerts in Japan through Feb. 10, will make it in time for the Super Bowl to see her partner and football superstar Travis Kelce play. To make sure all her fans know, the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. has sent a message on X, formerly Twitter, alluding to her hit songs in bold letters. “Despite the 12-hour flight and 17-hour time difference, the Embassy can confidently Speak Now to say that if she departs Tokyo in the evening after her concert, she should comfortably arrive in Las Vegas before the Super Bowl begins,” it said. Read: Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' tops all Oscar nominees with 13; 'Barbie' snags 8 Swift is in a highly public relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Kelce. The AFC champions face off the San Francisco 49ers, the NFC champs, Feb. 11. Noise regulations in Tokyo stipulate that events must stop using the public sound system at 9:30 p.m. That should give Swift plenty of time, given that Japan is a day ahead in the global day. Swift is performing four nights at the Tokyo Dome as part of her Eras Tour, which continues later in Australia. That means she would have to fly halfway around the world again later in the week. Read: ‘The Beekeeper’ Review: Jason Statham has more than a bee in his bonnet Swift’s flying on a private jet to watch Kelce play has already prompted criticism about carbon emissions and lavish spending. 

Bongo, the premiere OTT platform in Bangladesh, continues to dazzle audiences globally with one success after another, with the latest “Osomoy” directed by Kajal Arefin Ome. Recently, Ome's debut web film, 'Osomoy,' has garnered an impressive audience of over 300,000 paid unique viewers from over 100+ countries, 33 percent higher than Hotel Relax. The film has achieved more than 35 million paid watch time minutes in 8.5 days surpassing the previous record of 30 million minutes of Hotel Relax, a web series also directed by Kajal Arefin Ome.  Wrestling icon Vince McMahon resigns from WWE parent company after ex-employee files sex abuse suit "Osomoy" presents a compelling narrative, delving into the life of Urbi, a young girl from a lower-middle-class family navigating university life. Director Kajal Arefin Ome, known for his diverse portfolio, departs from his usual works to offer a poignant portrayal of contemporary society. The film resonates with audiences, combining a serious storyline with Ome's signature humor. Expressing his thoughts on the record-breaking success, Director Kajal Arefin Ome stated, "We had high expectations for the content, and the immediate positive response exceeded our predictions. The audience's love for 'Osomoy' has been overwhelming. Their support encourages me to strive for excellence in future projects." Farooki in ICU, writes Tisha Tasnia Farin, a talented actress of the time, delivers a stellar performance as Urbi, supported by Tariq Anam Khan and Monira Mithu, who portray Urbi's parents with emotional depth. The on-screen chemistry between Saraf Ahmed Zibon and Iresh Zaker, playing a journalist and police officer, adds a delightful touch, inducing laughter. Runa Khan's portrayal of a lawyer and her compelling scenes with Intekhab Dinar has garnered attention. The ensemble cast, including Shahed Ali, Shaswata Datta, Shimul Sharma, Lamima Lam, Israt Zaheen Ahmed, Scuman Patwary, and Ziaul Haque Polash, contributes to the film's success with their outstanding performances. Netizens hail "Osomoy" as Kajal Arefin Ome's masterpiece, praising its superb cinematography, excellent dialogues, outstanding color grading, and captivating ambient music. Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, the producer of "Osomoy" and Chief Content Officer of Bongo, expressed delight, saying, "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to 'Osomoy,' surpassing the success of 'Hotel Relax.' We extend our gratitude to the audience for their continued support." Showcasing 252 films from 74 nations, 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival begins This time, Bongo saw a huge growth of users watching from Apple, Samsung, Redmi, Realme, and OPPO device brands, including tremendous growth from Chittagong, Comilla, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi. “We launched Pre-booking this time which was a huge success, we had over 10,000 paid users book early and win a chance to watch on the opening day of the Premiere with the Ome and the exciting cast! We also enabled gifting where thousands of fans showed their appreciation for the film. We are constantly working on new ways to be ahead of the curve with our technology and tools, said COO & Co-Founder of Bongo, Fayaz Taher.  “Last year we beta-tested a lot with new advertising tools such as clickable Digital screen ads including L-shaped, we plan to do a full roll in Q1 this year to enable new ways for advertisers to also connect with content in meaningful ways.”

Wrestling icon Vince McMahon resigned Friday from WWE's parent company t he day after a former employee filed a federal lawsuit accusing him and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including offering her to a star wrestler for sex. McMahon stepped down from the his position as executive chairman of the board of directors at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, according to a statement released late Friday. He continued to deny wrongdoing following the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, who worked in the company’s legal and talent departments. The suit includes allegations that McMahon, now 78, forced Grant into a sexual relationship in order for her to get and keep a job and passed around pornographic pictures and videos of her to other men, including other WWE employees. The AP typically does not name accusers in sexual assault cases, but Grant’s representatives said she wished to go public. Her lawyer declined to comment Friday. Read: Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' tops all Oscar nominees with 13; 'Barbie' snags 8 McMahon's statement said that he was leaving the board “out of respect” for WWE and TKO Group. “I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” he said in the statement. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.” McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid an investigation into allegations that match those in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, where WWE is based. McMahon was the leader and most recognizable face at WWE for decades. When he purchased what was then the World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982, wrestling matches took place at small venues and appeared on local cable channels. WWE matches are now held in professional sports stadiums, and the organization has a sizable overseas following. WWE merged last April with the company that runs Ultimate Fighting Championship to create the $21.4 billion sports entertainment company TKO Group Holdings, and McMahon served as that group’s executive chairman of the board until Friday. TKO Group's representative referred media inquiries about McMahon's resignation to his statement. Deadline first reported that he was stepping down. “Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” TKO Group said earlier this week. “While this matter pre-dates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.” Grant also names as defendants in the lawsuit the WWE and John Laurinaitis, an ex-pro wrestler and the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager. WWE and Laurinaitis did not return requests for comment Friday. According to the lawsuit, McMahon lived in the same building as Grant and in 2019 offered to get her a job at WWE after her parents died. Read: ‘The Beekeeper’ Review: Jason Statham has more than a bee in his bonnet She alleges that he eventually made it clear that one of the requirements of the job was a physical relationship with him and later with Laurinaitis and others. Over the next few years, McMahon lavished her with gifts including a luxury car, the suit says. It also alleges that McMahon offered one of his star wrestlers — a person not named in the lawsuit — sex with Grant as a perk in 2021. “WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent, such as WWE Superstar, sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use,” the lawsuit states. Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and to have the court void a $3 million nondisclosure agreement, of which she alleges she received only $1 million. “Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized,” her attorney, Ann Callis, said in a statement Thursday. “The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”