United News of Bangladesh

Popular singer-songwriter Miftah Zaman is set to return to the stage with his solo concert 'Othopor Odhora' this (Friday) evening at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Organised and managed under the overall coordination of Britto Communications, the concert will feature Miftah’s popular original songs alongside his renditions of timeless Bengali classics. The evening will include some of Miftah’s well-known originals, including ‘Chiro Odhora’, ‘Tai Tomar Kheyal’, ‘Praptishunno’ and ‘Bhranti’. He will also perform his interpretations of Bengali classics such as ‘Hoyto Tomari Jonno’, ‘Ki Name Deke’ and ‘Ami Cheye Cheye Dekhi Saradin’. The concert is expected to offer music lovers an opportunity to revisit different phases of Miftah’s musical journey, which spans nearly two decades. Over the years, Miftah has developed a distinctive musical style by blending contemporary and classical elements. His recent album ‘Ek Pashla Brishti’ further reflects his continuing engagement with melody and songwriting. The concert will also feature various stalls at the venue for attendees. Tickets are priced at Tk 1,200 for VIP and Tk 900 for the regular category.

Salman Khan used the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 to speak out against online trolling, body-shaming and what he called inappropriate paparazzi photographs of female celebrities. During the show’s “Weekend Ka Vaar,” Salman addressed trolls who criticized his former girlfriend Katrina Kaif over her postpartum weight following her appearance at a Ganapati Utsav in Mumbai last week. “Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant? Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight… Jab woh pictures mein wapas aayegi toh woh fit aayengi… she wants to spend time with her family,” Salman said. A video clip of his comments quickly went viral, with social media users praising the actor and calling him “Pookie,” a Gen Z term of affection for someone seen as standing up for a good cause. “If green flag had a face,” one user wrote, while another commented, “Green flag to ab Salman Khan lagne laga mujhe.” Salman also addressed criticism about his age, saying he knows people mock him for growing older. “Of course, I'm 60 years old, yaar,” he said. “You cannot be Maine Pyar Kiya all the time… this age has become a topic suddenly. Log kehte hain woh budha ho gaya hai… what do you want to troll… mujhe pata hai mujhe kaun kaun troll karta hai… hum react nahin karte… humare fans club itne saare hain… humko kya farak padta hai… bolne do inko.” At one point, Salman removed his shirt and hat, wiped off his makeup on camera and challenged trolls to criticize him. He then showed his physique, making it clear that he was not affected by the comments. He also defended his brother Sohail Khan and others who have faced online ridicule. “Pehle apne aap ko dekho, apne jism ko dekho uske baad karna yeh sab… apne maa baap ko dekho… uske baad troll karna… mazak udana Sohail ke upar, Varun ke upar it's not done,” he said. “Jitna trolling karna hai kar lo, phate hue joote bhi pehenta hoon,” Salman added. Salman criticises paparazzi Salman also criticized paparazzi for photographing actresses from behind and taking what he described as inappropriate shots. “Paparazzi hip shots lete hain, taangon ke shots lete hain, aur agar peeche se shot mil jaaye toh woh bhi lete hain. None of these heroines, none of the girls like it,” he said. Referring to his niece, he added, “Meri apni niece chal rahi hoti hai, toh peeche se uska shot le rahe hain aur caption daalte hain ‘Pehchaano ye kaun hai?’” “I am saying all this to girls: agar aisa ho toh ghoom ke ek chamat maaro aur bolo, ‘Apni maa-behen ka shot le lo.’ Disgusting people! What is this mentality?” Salman said. Salman and Katrina reportedly began dating in the mid-2000s after working together. Katrina later said in a 2011 interview with Cosmopolitan that Salman was her first serious relationship. Katrina has been married to Vicky Kaushal since 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, son Vihaan, last November.  #From NDTV 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) will host artist Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy’s first solo exhibition, ‘Splendor of Green’, from September 22 to 29, showcasing works born from his close study of leaves, flowers and grass. Curated by Sumon Wahed, the exhibition will open at 6 pm on September 22 at AFD's La Galerie. Tonmoy’s engagement with nature deepened during the COVID-19 lockdown, when the slower pace of everyday life gave him an opportunity to observe his surroundings more closely. The diversity of plants, particularly the varied forms and characteristics of leaves, gradually became a major source of inspiration for his paintings. His works explore these natural forms through colour, structure and layered shades, translating subtle variations observed in plants onto canvas. Through the exhibition, he also seeks to encourage viewers to look more closely at the details of the natural environment that often go unnoticed. A Dhaka-based contemporary painter, Tonmoy completed his BFA in 2022 and MFA in 2024 from the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. His practice focuses primarily on nature, particularly plants and leaves, and includes painting, drawing and research using oil, acrylic, watercolour and pencil. He received the Media Best Award in Watercolor at the Annual Art Exhibition of the Department of Drawing & Painting, Dhaka University, in 2023. He also received the Grand Award at the 26th Berger Young Painters’ Art Competition in 2021. Currently works as a freelance artist, Tonmoy is also a master flautist. ‘Splendor of Green’ will remain open from 3 pm to 9 pm daily through Sep 29 at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.

Ed Sheeran is scheduled to resume his tour Saturday, potentially performing alone, after all of his supporting acts withdrew following the removal of opening act Macklemore over pro-Palestinian remarks made during a concert. It remains unclear how Sheeran will structure his performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field after the departure of the opening acts and supporting musicians. Sheeran has performed much of his Loop Tour solo, although Irish folk band Beoga had joined him for several songs at each stop. Macklemore was initially scheduled as Sheeran’s US opening act but was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe. Both later withdrew. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was also scheduled to join Sheeran’s South American shows later this year but pulled out earlier this week. Sheeran has made no public statement since the artists withdrew. Tickets for Saturday’s concert were still available Friday, while his website listed no replacement acts. A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to protest outside the venue Saturday afternoon. The controversy began after Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine” during a Sept. 5 concert in New Jersey. Sheeran said he was not involved in the decision to remove Macklemore, which came after pressure from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to perform Friday. Within hours of Sheeran’s statement Tuesday, his supporting acts announced their withdrawals. Macklemore said Wednesday that he would donate $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and urged Kraft to match the contribution. A spokesperson for Kraft said the billionaire and Sheeran had each agreed to donate $2 million, but did not say where the money would go. Sheeran’s representatives have not responded to several requests for comment. Pollstar reported in May that Sheeran’s Loop Tour was the world’s highest-grossing tour, averaging more than $7 million in box office revenue per city. Through the end of 2025, Sheeran ranked No. 3 among the highest-earning concert acts since 2021. Sheeran has said the tour promoter was ultimately responsible for dropping Macklemore. In his Tuesday statement, the Grammy-winning singer said he did not want to become involved in debate over the Gaza war, saying fans attend his concerts to hear music rather than discuss such issues. He also said he had spent much of the week speaking with venues in an effort to “build a bridge” before Macklemore was removed. Sheeran said he would never knowingly disappoint his fans or abandon members of his touring crew and others whose livelihoods depend on the tour. Although promoters and venues have significant influence over concert tours, experts say an artist of Sheeran’s stature generally has considerable control over decisions involving his shows.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is set to make a guest appearance on the TV drama "Law & Order: SVU" this fall. NBC announced Thursday that Brunson will appear in the show's fifth episode of the season, scheduled to air Nov. 5. The network did not disclose details about his role. Brunson is also scheduled to host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on Sept. 26. He appeared Monday during the opening segment of the Emmy Awards telecast, which was hosted by "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay. Hargitay is a Knicks fan and attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when New York overcame a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106. The victory helped the Knicks win their first NBA championship since 1973. Hargitay and Brunson hugged on the court after the game.

A photographic exhibition based on the unreleased Bangladeshi film ‘An Apple Tree Inside the Head’, directed by Fazly Rabbi Mridha, is underway at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). Goopy Bagha Productions Limited and Views & Vision Production are jointly presenting the exhibition, which opened on Tuesday and will continue until Sep 19 at the Dhanmondi venue. The exhibition features photographs taken during the making of the film, offering visitors glimpses of its visual and emotional world through characters, landscapes, gestures and fleeting moments. The opening was attended by anthropologist and public intellectual Dr Manosh Chowdhury, theatre, television and film actor Jayita Mahalanobish, and independent filmmaker Josim Ahmed, founder of Views & Vision Production and one of the film’s producers. Producer Arifur Rahman said the exhibition was conceived as an alternative way of presenting the film beyond conventional distribution channels. “As a producer, I see cinema as an artistic expression that must travel and reach as many people as possible. Yet conventional distribution systems do not always allow a film to find its widest audience,” he said. “With this exhibition, we are breaking away from those familiar routes and giving ‘An Apple Tree Inside the Head’ a new life through photography,” Rahman added. Written and directed by Fazly Rabbi Mridha, the film draws on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit to explore faith, fear, family and the human mind. The story follows Mintu Mridha, whose wife Jasmin and son Shohag often wander away from home without explanation. Believing an unseen force has entered his family, Mintu seeks help from a saint, who gives him a blessed apple believed to have healing powers. As strange patterns recur and the boundaries between reality and illusion begin to blur, the apple assumes an increasingly mysterious significance, becoming a possible cure, temptation and symbol of the unknown. The film is produced by Bijon Imtiaz, Arifur Rahman and Josim Ahmed. Fazly Rabbi Mridha previously directed ‘Payer Tolay Maati Nai’, which received the Gautam Buddha Award for Best Feature Film at the 5th Nepal International Film Festival and a Special Jury Mention for Best Debut Film at the 7th Jaffna International Cinema Festival in Sri Lanka. Open to all, the exhibition welcomes visitors daily from 3 pm to 9 pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.

Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour faced major disruption Tuesday after four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage. Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were leaving the tour, shortly after Sheeran posted about Macklemore's removal and said the decision was made by the tour's promoters. Rowe and Lukas Graham were due to replace Macklemore on Sheeran's remaining US dates. Beoga had been joining Sheeran for several songs, including some they co-wrote, during the middle of his sets. Finneas, the brother and musical collaborator of Billie Eilish, was scheduled to join Sheeran's South American tour later this year. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on Instagram. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Pressure grows on SheeranThe withdrawals have increased pressure on Sheeran, who has generally avoided taking a public political position on the Gaza conflict. He has said fans attend his concerts for music rather than political discussions. Rowe and Beoga referred to Ireland's history in explaining their decisions. “We are Irish people who understand colonialism,” Beoga said. “As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.” Rowe described Sheeran as a friend who had changed his life but said his Irish background made it difficult for him to remain silent. “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said, adding that he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.” Lukas Graham, known for hits including “Mama Said” and “7 Years,” thanked Sheeran and described its decision as difficult. “Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge,” the band said in an Instagram post, apparently referring to billionaire Robert Kraft's reported role in Macklemore's removal. Emails seeking comment were sent to Sheeran and the tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group. Macklemore's removal sparks disputeSheeran addressed Macklemore's removal after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during their tour. Sheeran said the decision was made solely by the promoters and that he did not want to become involved in a public debate over the Gaza war. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram Tuesday. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.” His statement came a day after Macklemore said he had been removed from the Loop Tour after saying “Free Palestine!” during a Sept. 5 concert at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium while introducing his protest song “Hind's Hall.” “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” Macklemore said during the concert. Macklemore said Monday that several US venues had told the promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran's opening act following efforts by Kraft, owner of the NFL's New England Patriots. Kraft's Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, the Patriots' home. In a statement Monday, Kraft said Macklemore was removed because of his recent comments and what Kraft described as a wider history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that he said had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Kraft's representatives did not immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the other artists' decisions to leave the tour. Sheeran says he is “not complicit”A growing number of organizations and experts have said Israel's wartime actions in Gaza amount to genocide, an allegation that Israel strongly rejects. Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 remaining shows on Sheeran's stadium tour, which is due to resume Saturday in Philadelphia. The upcoming stops include Gillette Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Sheeran said he had spoken extensively with venues throughout the week in an effort to find a solution, but the venues and promoter ultimately stood by their decision. He said he tries to use his music to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures. While he has personal views about the “devastating conflict,” he said he chooses not to discuss them publicly because concertgoers do not expect his shows to become political forums. “I am not complicit,” Sheeran wrote. “I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” he added. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.” Sheeran said he prefers to use his public platform as “a place of safety and sanctuary” and to support diplomacy and keep conversations open.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday visited the residence of actor Azmeri Haque Badhon and her family to inquire about their well-being, following the difficult situation she recently faced in Italy. Badhon said Kobir visited her home on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She shared a photo of the visit on social media on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the state minister’s initiative. “State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir Humaiun Kobir visited our home on behalf of Hon'ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to inquire about me and my family. I am deeply honoured and grateful for his sincerity, courtesy and sense of responsibility,” Badhon wrote. She said the government’s support during the difficult time had reassured her personally and strengthened her confidence in the state. “This initiative to stand beside us on behalf of the state has not only reassured me personally, but also strengthened my trust in the state as a citizen,” she said. Badhon added that the incident had reminded her that unity, courage and a sense of responsibility towards others are among the strongest tools against injustice, fear and division. “Differences of opinion may exist, but there can be no compromise when it comes to a citizen’s safety, dignity and rights,” she said. The actor also expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government, the head of government, the Bangladesh Embassy, the Italian government and police, as well as those at home and abroad who stood by her, inquired about her and her family, and provided humanitarian assistance and support. She said the experience had shown once again that when people unite in support of justice and truth, their strength to stand against injustice increases manifold. “I believe our collective responsibility is to build a safe, dignified, democratic and humane Bangladesh,” she said.

Macaulay Culkin remembered Catherine O’Hara as more than the actor who played his mother in the “Home Alone” films. To him, she was simply “mama.” Culkin joined O’Hara’s “Schitt’s Creek” co-stars Annie Murphy and Dan Levy on stage at Monday night’s Emmy Awards for an emotional tribute to the acclaimed comic actor, who died Jan. 30 at age 71. “She wasn’t just a wife to Bo (Welch) and mother to Matthew and Luke,” Culkin said. “She was my mom. She was our mama, and by extension, she’s all of our mama.” Culkin urged viewers to call their mothers and recalled how O’Hara remained supportive of him decades after they worked together in two “Home Alone” films. O’Hara played Kate McCallister, the mother of Culkin’s Kevin, in the 1990 original and its 1992 sequel. Both became popular holiday films and regular television favorites. “This is the best that we can do for her tonight. We’re showing up for her,” Culkin said. “She may have forgotten me twice, but we will always remember her.” O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. Her five-decade career included the Canadian sketch comedy series “SCTV,” the “Home Alone” films, Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries and her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.” Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan performed during the in-memoriam segment, which honored O’Hara and other television industry figures who died over the past year. The tribute also remembered entertainment icon Dolly Parton, actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner, actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. and costume designer Bob Mackie, who died earlier Monday. Murphy, who played O’Hara’s daughter Alexis Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” remembered her co-star’s distinctive laugh and the happiness she brought to audiences. “Catherine’s laugh was a perpetual ‘yes, and,’” Murphy said. “It challenged anyone who heard it to join in and be as delighted as she was, and she spread that delight everywhere.” Murphy said strangers across Canada shared their grief with her following O’Hara’s death. She recalled receiving a note from a passenger on an Air Canada flight, getting a hug from a gas station attendant and meeting a woman who performed a combination of O’Hara’s characters while Murphy was buying wine. “These are only a very few of the interactions I’ve been lucky enough to have that remind me how profoundly Catherine has impacted the world,” Murphy said. “And it’s because she brought us joy.” Levy, who co-created “Schitt’s Creek” and played O’Hara’s onscreen son David Rose, said one of the most important lessons he learned from her was to “always say yes,” especially when it came to her creative ideas. He recalled how O’Hara helped develop Moira Rose into an unusual television character over the age of 60 who wore leather miniskirts and high heels and spoke in an unusual, sometimes difficult-to-understand accent. Levy also remembered her creative ideas, including Moira’s large collection of wigs. “Say yes to the concept of a wig wall. Say yes to her asking to wear a wig as a hat. Say yes to her naming that wig,” Levy said. “Say yes to giving her space to experiment and create. It will amaze you on a daily basis, and it will change your life.” Levy also spoke about O’Hara’s kindness and generosity away from the set. “Say yes to her dinner invites and her stories and her wisdom and her generosity,” he said. “Those are the things you will hold on to the tightest. Always say yes to any opportunity to revel in the presence of greatness.”

The 78th Emmy Awards are set to take place Monday night, with HBO Max’s “The Pitt” hoping to strengthen its place among television’s top shows and Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” arriving with strong momentum. The ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Mariska Hargitay, the longtime star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and a three-time Emmy winner, will host the event on NBC. The network has prepared a peacock-blue carpet to mark its 100th anniversary. The ceremony will also mark the 30th anniversary of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the 50th anniversary of “Charlie’s Angels,” with members of both casts expected to appear as presenters. How to watch the EmmysThe Emmy Awards rotate among the major US broadcast networks. This year, the ceremony will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock at 8 p.m. Eastern time, or 5 p.m. Pacific. “Live from E!: Countdown to the Emmys” will cover stars arriving at the ceremony from 5 p.m. Eastern, or 2 p.m. Pacific, on YouTube and Peacock. The Associated Press will also provide a delayed feed of celebrity arrivals on YouTube. ‘The Pitt,’ ‘Widow’s Bay’ and ‘Hacks’ lead the race“The Pitt,” a real-time drama set in a hospital emergency room, was a newcomer at last year’s Emmys but quickly became one of television’s top shows. It won best drama, best actor for Noah Wyle and best supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. The show is expected to defend all three awards this year and could win three more. Wyle is competing for three awards, while the cast received four nominations for supporting actress and three for supporting actor. “Hacks,” which received the most nominations among comedy series for its fifth and final season on HBO Max, is also a strong contender. Its star, Jean Smart, is widely expected to win best actress in a comedy for the fifth consecutive time. However, Apple TV’s horror comedy “Widow’s Bay” could disrupt the expected “Hacks” farewell. The series has already won eight awards at earlier ceremonies covering most of the more than 100 Emmy categories. It could win as many as six more awards Monday. A strong showing could give it 14 Emmys for the season, surpassing the record of 13 set by “The Studio” last year. “Widow’s Bay” star Matthew Rhys is considered a leading contender for best actor in a comedy, while breakout star Kate O’Flynn is among the favorites for best supporting actress. Seehorn, Ford and Zendaya also in contentionRhea Seehorn could earn her first Emmy for best actress in a drama for her role as the central character in Apple TV’s “Pluribus.” Her competitors include Zendaya, who won the award for the first two seasons of “Euphoria” in 2020 and 2022. She is nominated again for the show's third and final season. The ceremony could also bring Harrison Ford his first Emmy and his first major competitive Hollywood award. The 84-year-old actor is among the favorites for best supporting actor in a comedy for his role in “Shrinking,” where he plays a therapist dealing with Parkinson’s disease.