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12th JS Election: Mahiya Mahi collects AL nomination form for Chapainawabganj-2
Ensuring her wish to participate in the forthcoming National Election, Dhallywood’s popular actress Mahiya Mahi has collected the nomination form to contest for the Chapainawabganj-2 constituency from Awami League.
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Mahi, who was born and brought up in the area under the constituency, confirmed the development on her official Facebook account.
“Alhamdulillah. By the grace of Allah, today (Saturday) I collected the party nomination papers of Bangladesh Awami League for Chapainawabganj-2 seat,” Mahi wrote on Saturday night.
The actress uploaded a photo of herself holding the nomination form with her husband Rakib Sarkar, mother Dilara Yasmin, and father Abu Bakar Khokon on her official Facebook page, also stating that she would submit the nomination form on November 20 at 3 pm.
Speaking to journalists earlier, Mahi talked about her desire to enter the parliament with a mission to work for the people of the aforementioned constituency.
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“I am a native of this district and constituency by birth, and people have wanted me to get a nomination ever since I stepped up into politics. I will seek the nomination for the people of Chapainawabganj-2 constituency," Mahi, the Joint General Secretary of the Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote (Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance), said as a guest speaker at the Nawabganj Government Women's College's student assembly on Wednesday.
Speaking to the journalists, she added, “There are significant scopes for meaningful projects in the parliamentary constituency of Chapainawabganj-2. I have some significant, women-specific plans as well - and I shall continue to fight for the advancement of our district and the women's society, whether I get the nomination or not.”
“Being a public representative allows one to have an impact, and in my opinion, everything is possible if one is determined enough. I recognize that, from this vantage point, I could make significant contributions to the welfare of the local populace if I get nominated,” Mahi told the journalists at the event.
Earlier this year, Mahi bought the nomination form of the ruling party to participate in the by-election from the Chapainawabganj-2 constituency. However, she failed to get the nomination.
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Numerous popular celebrities, including Ferdous, Shakeel Khan, Jyotika Jyoti, Tareen Jahan, and Rokeya Prachi, have also expressed interest in taking part in the forthcoming National Election on January 7 next year.
Taylor Swift fan dies at Rio concert as fans complain about high temperatures and lack of water
A 23-year-old Taylor Swift fan died at the singer's Eras Tour concert in Rio de Janeiro Friday night, according to a statement from the show's organizers in Brazil. Both Swifties and politicians reacted to the news with outrage.
While a cause of death for Ana Clara Benevides Machado has not been announced, fans complained they were not allowed to take water into Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium despite soaring temperatures.
A group launched an online petition Saturday morning calling for a “Benevides Law” to “make water in events mandatory.”
The petition garnered more than 150,000 signatures in just a few hours. Federal authorities announced that free water would be made available at all future concerts.
In a handwritten note shared on her social media, Swift said she had a “shattered heart."
“There’s very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young,” the singer wrote of the young woman.
The show's organizer, Time4Fun, said on Instagram that paramedics attended to Benevides after she reported feeling unwell. She was taken to a first-aid center and then to a hospital, where she died an hour later, the statement from the Brazilian live entertainment company said.
Concert-goers said they were not allowed to bring water bottles into the stadium even though Rio and most of Brazil have had record-breaking temperatures this week amid a dangerous and lasting heat wave. The daytime high in Rio on Friday was 39.1 degrees Celsius (102.4 degrees Fahrenheit), but it felt much hotter.
Elizabeth Morin, 26, who recently moved to Rio from Los Angeles, described “sauna-like” conditions inside the stadium.
“It was extremely hot. My hair got so wet from sweat as soon as I came in,” she said. “There was a point at which I had to check my breathing to make sure I wasn’t going to pass out.”
Morin said she drank plenty of water but saw “a good amount of people looking distressed” and others “yelling for water.” She said she was able to get water from the sidelines of the area she was standing in, but that water was a lot harder to access from other parts of the stadium, “especially if you were concerned about losing your specific position.”
During the show, Swift paused her performance and asked from the stage for water to be brought to a group of people who had successfully caught the singer's attention, according to Morin.
“They were holding up their phones saying ‘We need water,’” she recalled.
Justice Minister Flávio Dino said on X that the ministry would implement “emergency rules" in response to the situation. He later announced that "water bottles for personal use, in suitable material, will be allowed" at concerts and other events and that show producers must provide free and easily accessible drinking water.
Before the show, Benevides posted a video of herself on Instgram wearing a Taylor Swift T-shirt and waiting in line to enter the stadium while seeking shade under an umbrella. Like her, thousands of fans waited hours in the sun before being allowed inside.
She told her followers while fanning her face that she’d arrived at 11 a.m. — the show began around 7:30 p.m. — and was “still in the mess.”
Benevides' friend, Daniele Menin, who attended the concert with her, told online news site G1 that her friend passed out at the beginning of the concert, as Swift performed her second song, “Cruel Summer.”
“We always said that when (Taylor Swift) came to Brazil we would find a way to go. The ticket was very expensive, but we still found a way”, Menin told G1.
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes said on X the “loss of a young woman’s life ... is unacceptable.”
While authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death, Paes wrote, the municipality will demand Saturday that the show’s production company provide new water distribution points, more brigades and ambulances, and advance entrance to the show by one hour.
Swift has two more shows scheduled in Rio, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
“I'm not going to be able to speak about this from stage because I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it,” she wrote. “I want to say now I feel this loss deeply and my broken heart goes out to her family and friends.”
Author Sarah Bernstein wins Canadian fiction prize for her novel 'Study of Obedience'
Author Sarah Bernstein won the Scotiabank Giller Prize on Monday for her novel “Study for Obedience.”
The Montreal-born, Scotland-based author accepted the $100,000 award remotely from Scotland, where she had a baby just 10 days ago.
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Her novel is about a young woman moving to the remote north where after her arrival, a series of inexplicable events occur.
The 100,000 Canadian dollar ($72,000 U.S.) Giller prize honors the best in Canadian fiction. Past winners have included Margaret Atwood, Mordecai Richler and Alice Munro.
Just as Bernstein’s name was called at the gala, a protester interrupted the live telecast with anti-Israel war slogans, forcing organizers to repeat the announcement.
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The celebrations were also interrupted early in the broadcast when several anti-Israel protesters jumped onstage.
The Giller was created in 1994 by late businessman Jack Rabinovitch in memory of his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller.
Zayed Khan to dance at National Film Awards ceremony
Actor Zayed Khan is going to perform a dance routine with two songs at the National Film Award 2022 ceremony.
Coke Studio Bangla's second live concert enthrals fans even amidst chaos
In this regard, the actor told the media that, 'Khasru Bhai (Kamrul Alam Khan Khasru) and Rozina Apa (Rowshon Ara Rozina) are getting lifetime honours. I am lucky that I am going to perform a dance with two songs in their honour. More importantly, the prime minister will also attend the event. That will double my happiness."
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Zayed has recently done the shooting of the movie ''Chayabaz''. Now, he is busy with several other movies.
He was recently seen in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's biopic 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation' where played the role of Tikka Khan. The movie was directed by famous Indian director Shyam Benegal.
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Besides, several movies of Zayed including 'Sonar Char' and 'Bahaduri' are waiting for release.
Coke Studio Bangla's second live concert enthrals fans even amidst chaos
The second seasonal live concert of Coke Studio Bangla, the Bangladeshi franchise of the globally popular musical program Coke Studio, enthralled thousands of fans at Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital on Friday night.
The event showcased a total of 125 artists including singers, musicians and dance performers, according to the organisers.
Began with the performance of Hatirpool Sessions in the afternoon, the main concert started with the electrifying track "Nasek Nasek" by Animes Roy and Pantha Kanai, the very first track of Coke Studio Bangla Season One - the event went on rocking the audiences from 6:30 pm till 12 am.
During this time, the ensemble line-up of Coke Studio Bangla's artists from both seasons including Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Animes Roy, Pantho Kanai, Meghdol, Momotaz Begum, Mizan Rahman, Ritu Raj, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita, Elita Karim, Shuvo (D rockstar), Anuradha Mandal, Shawon Gaanwala, Moktadir Dewan Shanto with 'Beatmosphere', Jalali Set, Ripon Kumar Sarkar (Boga), Sunidhi Nayak, Soumyadeep Sikdar (Murshidabadi), Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Md Makhon Mia, Warda Ashraf, Shanila Islam, Jannatul Firdous Akbar, Armeen Musa and Ghashphoring Choir, Riad Hasan, Pollob Vai, Sohana (Daughter of coastal), Mukul Mojumder Ishaan, Islam Uddin Palakar, Emon Chowdhury, Arfan Mredha Shiblu, Aleya Begum, Fuad Al Muqtadir, Tasfia Fatima Tashfee, Suchona Shelly, Bappa Mazumder, Hamida Banu, Pritom Hasan and others showcased their stunning performances one after another.
Read: “Leelabati Nag: The Rebel” premiered at Liberation War Museum
Nachiketa's 30th anniversary concert set to enthrall Dhaka
West Bengal’s popular singer Nachiketa Chakraborty is all set to mesmerise his countless listeners in Bangladesh after a long hiatus, marking the 30th anniversary of his iconic music career.
The eminent artist, widely revered for his fan-favourite tracks such as "She Prothom Prem Amar Nilanjana," "Sonali Prantore," "Jokhon Somoy Thomke Daray" and more, will perform at a music event on November 10, Friday, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.
With the release of his debut album "Ei Besh Bhalo Aachhi" in 1993, the renowned Bengali singer, songwriter, and composer embarked on a triumphant musical career, winning over avid admirers in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
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This event titled “Nachiketa Live in Dhaka with Joy Shahriar,” will mark the 30th anniversary of his musical journey, organised by Aajob Karkhana and Aajob Records. The revered singer also confirmed this event on his official social media handles.
“In 1993, Nachiketa's debut solo album “Ei Besh Bhalo Aachhi” was released, and his 30-year musical journey was commemorated with a musical event in Kolkata. Back in June this year I went to Kolkata to work with him, and I proposed the event to him as we grew up listening to him and he has a large fan following in Bangladesh,” Aajob Karkhana and Aajob Records founder and CEO Joy Shahriar told UNB.
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“He then agreed to perform and we are now just a few days away to witness him performing for our audiences live in Dhaka. I will open the event and perform which will be a great honour for me as an artist and this will be a remarkable achievement for my career,” Joy Shahriar, also known to music lovers in Bangladesh for many of his popular songs including “Shotti Bolchhi,” expressed his excitement.
Tickets for the show are already on sale online at the Get Set Rock website. A total of five tiers of tickets have been released for this event: Silver (2000 BDT), Gold (3000 BDT), Platinum (5000 BDT), Student Silver (1000 BDT) and Student Gold (2000 BDT)
“Given the venue's limited capacity, we had to adjust the pricing accordingly. Nevertheless, we also wanted to provide our younger listeners with an amazing experience, so we put up two exclusive student packages which they can get at the venue by presenting their ID cards from their educational institution,” Joy Shahriar told UNB.
The event will welcome the audience from 5 pm onwards, and the event will start from 6:30 pm while the audiences can enter the venue till 8:30 pm.
Partners for the event are Toffee, GoZayaan, Universal Medical College Hospital, aamarPay, Nescafe, Kazi Food and Aajob Prokash.
Renowned actress Homayra Himu passes away
Homayra Himu, one of the renowned faces in the country’s television industry, died at her residence on Thursday.
She was brought into the Uttara Bangladesh Medical College in the capital on Thursday afternoon and upon inspection, the on-duty doctor of the hospital pronounced her dead, according to Actors Equity Guild President and actor Ahsan Habib Nasim.
Although yet to be confirmed, all available information suggests that the actress took her own life. Details regarding her postmortem and other rituals are yet to be informed.
According to Nasim, the actress was brought to the hospital by her younger sister and another man who is suspected to be her lover. He went missing when the doctors called the police for an investigation regarding the death.
Born on 23 November, 1985 in Lakshmipur district, Himu completed her HSC from Ispahani College and later obtained her honours and masters degrees from Eden Women's College in the capital.
She started her acting career in theatre, and her television acting career started with the 2006 drama "Chayabithi." Subsequently, she showcased her acting skills in several well-known drama serials, including "Housefull," "Gulshan Avenue," "Bari Bari Sari Sari," "Sonaghat," "Batighar," "Shonena Sey Shonena," "Chairman Bari" and more.
Himu made her silver screen debut with acclaimed filmmaker Morshedul Islam-directed 'Amar Bondhu Rashed' in 2011 and got critically acclaimed for her performance.
Celebrities and her close acquaintances in the media have been sharing their grief and love for the acclaimed actress on their social media handles after being informed about her untimely and unfortunate demise.
Coke Studio Bangla concert to return with an ensemble line-up on Nov 10 at Army Stadium
The much-anticipated live concert of the popular musical programme Coke Studio Bangla is returning for the second edition titled “Coke Studio Bangla Live 2.0” on November 10 at the capital’s Army Stadium.
This year, the fans will enjoy an exclusive Coke Studio Bangla experience like never before as the concert is set to feature an ensemble cast of seasoned and popular music artists from Coke Studio Bangla seasons one and two.
The lineup will feature Coke Studio Bangla’s artists from both seasons like Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Animes Roy, Pantho Kanai, Momotaz Begum, Mizan Rahman, Ritu Raj, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita, Nigar Sultana Sumi, Jalali Set, Ripon Kumar Sarkar (Boga), Sunidhi Nayak, Soumyadeep Sikdar (Murshidabadi), Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Md Makhon Mia, Rubayat Rehman, Jannatul Firdous Akbar, Shanila Islam, Armeen Musa and Ghashphoring Choir, Riad Hasan, Pollob Vai, Meghdol, Sohana (Daughter of coastal), Mukul Mojumder Ishaan, Pritom Hasan, Islam Uddin Palakar, Fazlu Majhi, Emon Chowdhury, Arfan Mredha Shiblu, Aleya Begum, Fuad Al Muqtadir, Tasfia Fatima Tashfee, Suchona Shelly, Bappa Mazumder and Hamida Banu.
Also read: Dilaram: Coke Studio Bangla concludes Season Two by paying tribute to Hason Raja
To enhance the festivities, the concert will also feature special guests including Elita Karim, Shuvo (D rockstar), Anuradha Mandal, Shawon Gaanwala, Moktadir Dewan Shanto as well as captivating band performances by Hatirpool Sessions and Lalon Band.
From the energetic notes of “Nasek Nasek” to the enchanting rhythms of “Kotha Koiyo Na” - this event promises to mesmerise audiences with one of the most unique concert experiences with stunning performances by Coke Studio Bangla artists.
Although the concert will officially start at 6 pm, the gates at the venue will be opened at 1:30 pm, and the pre-show will start at 3 pm. Audiences will be engaged in fun and refreshing activities at the venue during this period.
Also read: “Nodir Kul”: Coke Studio Bangla’s tranquil ode to Polli Kobi Jashimuddin
Abeer Rajbeen, Head of Marketing, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Limited said, “Coke Studio Bangla is hugely popular across Bangladesh and we have been inundated with requests from fans to once again host a live concert. A battalion of over 100 musicians on the platform is ready to regale the audiences with the taste of Coke Studio Bangla’s magic. We believe this time the fans will have a captivating and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
To secure tickets for the concert, music lovers have the option of obtaining them by unwrapping labels from selected limited-edition Coca-Cola ICC/ Coke Studio Bangla concert labelled 600 ml or 1.25-litre bottles to reveal unique codes.
Upon scanning the QR codes and entering the unique code found on the back of each bottle’s label, consumers will receive a digital coin. By accumulating 5 digital coins, individuals can win a ticket to the Coke Studio Live concert. Additionally, consumers can also acquire tickets using ICC World Cup coins.
Also read: ‘Deora’: Coke Studio Bangla’s latest featuring Pritom and Islamuddin Palakar is an instant hit
Besides purchasing Coca-Cola bottles, another alternative method to obtain tickets is by ordering food worth BDT 600 through Foodpanda and, on the same day, purchasing two of Coca-Cola’s 600ml or one 1.25-litre bottle from Pandamart.
Tickets are also available by purchasing Coca-Cola Combo meals at the following restaurants; Burger King, MadChef, Digger, Pagla Baburchi, Herfy, Crisp, Cheez, CP Five Star, and Chillox.
Coke Studio Bangla fans can also purchase tickets from Tickify.Com
Since its inception in February 2022, Coke Studio Bangla has released 22 songs with nearly 100 talented singers and musicians. The first edition of this concert took place in July last year, also marking the first large-scale, open-air concert featuring all Bangladeshi artists after the Joy Bangla Concert in 2020 and the global outbreak of COVID-19.
The platform has unearthed the hidden treasures of Bangla music and culture, allowing music enthusiasts, particularly the younger generation, to immerse themselves in the enchantment of Bangla music.
Also read: ‘Murir Tin’: Coke Studio Bangla launches season 2 with nod to local dialects
Throughout both seasons, fans have consistently expressed their love, making Coke Studio Bangla Live a gesture of gratitude from the platform to acknowledge and appreciate the fans and their unwavering love and support.
More information and updates are available on the official Coke Studio Bangla Facebook page.
First-ever Arka Fashion Week concludes in style
Showcasing a tantalising array of fashion and cultural celebrations with a mission to democratise fashion, the first-ever Arka Fashion Week draws its closure at the Aloki Convention Centre, Tejgaon in the capital.
Over 50 entrepreneurs and brands are participating in this three-day event which works with fashion, fashion accessories and fashion-related products, made in Bangladesh; and the event catered to more than 5,000 attendees in three days from October 26.
Amid the nationwide political unrest, the premises of Aloki Convention Center became bustling with fashion-loving youth, influencers and entrepreneurs on the concluding day.
Bringing a refreshing perspective to the nation's fashion industry, Arka Fashion Week got underway on October 26. Even though most of the attendees were the ‘Gen G’ fashionistas, people from all walks of life joined the fashion festivity with much curiosity as everyone wandered around, stopped by the stands of different fashion entrepreneurs, purchased their desired products and enjoyed the collective offerings at the event.
The biennial event was joined by 35 fashion companies and designers. These skilled and driven entrepreneurs had carefully chosen and curated their signature collections, showcased in an exclusive setting titled ‘Marketplace’ that included Western, fusion, traditional, sustainable, artistic, and unique clothes and accessories.
Read: Igniting the Fashion Revolution In Bangladesh, Arka Fashion Week begins
Along with the marketplace, there were eight fashion shows on its second and third day, and the inaugural day consisted of a pageant competition titled “Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024.” The new womenswear brand Kathal debuted through a special runway show and launched its first collection at Arka Fashion Week.
Chirkutt’s Sumi to join global music conference in Norway
Popular Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, composer, communication specialist and entrepreneur and country's popular band Chirkutt leader Sharmin Sultana Sumi has been invited to an international music conference in Norway.
Initiated by the University of Agder, Kristiansand in Norway, the conference, titled Kristiansand Roundtable Conference (KRC), is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 10 - in which Sumi will join three sessions.
These three sessions are ‘Scientific Conference - Strategy and Sustainability in Music Business’ (November 3), ‘Role of Women in BD Music Industry’ (November 7-8) and ‘Student Event - Music for Climate’ on November 9-10.
In these sessions, Sumi will speak, present and exchange viewpoints with the student-teachers while also talking about her journey as a pioneering female artist in the Bangladeshi music scene.
“After working with Bangla songs on a regular basis for the past 21 years in Bangladesh and the last 11 years internationally, people all over the globe want to hear from me and us about our music - and I believe this is an enormous shift and a huge opportunity for us,” Sumi said regarding this invitation.
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“The world is much bigger than we think and there is a wide range of work opportunities for all of us. Taking advantage of that opportunity and speaking on the world’s stage for your country is a matter of peace, honour and pride for me as an artist,” she added.
When asked about her plans for the sessions, she said, “I will try to share my experience of working in the music industry for a long time as an artist and a female artist, to be specific - which I think may inspire many. Also, the talking points will be about the music of Bangladesh, the collective journey of our band and our 'Nodi Rocks’ project which I conducted from the place of responsibility of an artist on the issue of the negative impact of climate change."
The aforementioned ‘Nodi Rocks’ project began in February 2022 and focused on seven rivers across the country: the Kushiyara, Padma, Sangu, Chitra, Pashur, Dahuk, and Buriganga, with a mission to aware people of climate change and its impacts on these rivers in the riverine Bangladesh.
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Seven music videos were made on these seven rivers by these seven bands: Arbovirus performed on Padma river, Smooches on Chitra, Cryptic Fate on Kushiyara, F Minor on Dahuk, Bangla Five on Pashur, Ashes on Buriganga and Sangu was featured by Chirkutt.
These videos gained popularity on social media platforms while the songs became fan-favorites and the project also brought up an exclusive concert in September last year. The project was the brainchild of Sumi, Chirkutt’s founding member-vocalist and Founder-CEO-Creative Director of Salt Creatives.
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