United News of Bangladesh

The Iroquois Steeplechase in Tennessee opened Saturday with its traditional foxhound parade, as more than 20 trained hounds ran across the turf course to kick off the 85-year-old horse racing event before the main competitions for major purses began. While jockeys and horse owners competed on the grass track with hurdles for a total purse of $730,000, spectators cheered, took photos and recorded videos as the foxhounds led the opening spectacle of the day. 400-year-old ‘Hamlet’ thrives in TikTok era, from Taylor Swift to Oscars The foxhounds, specially trained to run alongside horses and hunters, were guided by huntsmen and whippers-in tasked with keeping them on course despite distractions from thousands of spectators, loudspeakers and tailgating food in the infield. Charles Montgomery, a master and huntsman with the Mells Foxhounds, recalled a hound that once strayed into beer tents and enjoyed the attention so much that she repeated the behaviour the following year and was later excluded from the race. Founded in 1941 as a Works Progress Administration project, the Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the premier American steeplechase events and is closely tied to fox hunting traditions from the British Isles, where horses were trained to jump obstacles while hunting. Trustee Stephen Heard said many fox hunting horses are former steeplechase runners. About 25,000 spectators attend, creating challenges for dogs adjusting to noise, smells and distractions.Handlers use experienced hounds to guide younger ones, while GPS collars ensure safety if dogs stray. Despite the pressure, organizers say the hounds enjoy the event and help showcase hunting traditions.

This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale opened Saturday under intense political tension and public protest, making it one of the most disputed editions in recent memory. The event began without awarding its traditional Golden Lion prizes after the jury resigned in protest over the participation of Israel and Russia. The departing jury argued that countries facing investigations by the International Criminal Court over alleged human rights violations should not take part. Critics, however, questioned why the United States was not included in that stance. British artist Anish Kapoor referred to the ongoing atmosphere as one shaped by “hate and war.” Instead of a formal jury selection, visitors to the Biennale’s Giardini and Arsenale venues will choose the winning national pavilion and best artist in the central exhibition through anonymous online voting inspired by the Eurovision system. Winners will be revealed on the exhibition’s closing day, Nov. 22. The opening was accompanied by demonstrations and unrest. Protesters opposing Israel’s participation clashed with police on Friday, while feminist activists from Ukraine and Russia gathered earlier in the week at the Russian Pavilion. Palestinian groups also held memorials for artists killed in Gaza. Koyo Kouoh’s “In Minor Keys” Highlights Marginalized VoicesThe central exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, opens with a large red feathered sculpture inspired by New Orleans Black Masking traditions rooted in African heritage. The exhibition centers on overlooked and minority perspectives. Curated originally by the late Koyo Kouoh — the first African woman selected to lead the Biennale’s main exhibition — the show features 110 artists and collectives. After Kouoh’s death last year, five co-curators completed her vision. Co-curator Marie Helene Pereira said Kouoh believed in creating spaces where all artists could be seen and appreciated. Lubaina Himid Examines Migration and BelongingAt the British Pavilion, Lubaina Himid presents Predicting History: Testing Translation, a collection of vividly colored paintings exploring the experience of settling in unfamiliar places. One work depicts two architects debating whether to create a lasting monument or build something temporary that allows escape if needed. Himid, born in Zanzibar and raised in Britain, uses the exhibition to reflect on identity, migration and adaptation. Vatican Pavilion Offers Reflection Through Music and NatureThe Vatican’s contribution transforms the Mystic Gardens near Venice’s main railway station into a contemplative space focused on spirituality and peace. Visitors wander through vineyards and herb gardens while listening through headphones to reinterpretations of music by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, reimagined by artists including Brian Eno and Patti Smith. Rev. Ermanno Barucco described the installation as an invitation for visitors to reconnect with themselves through music and reflection. Austrian Pavilion Pushes Boundaries With Provocative PerformancesThe Austrian Pavilion, created by artist Florentina Holzinger, quickly became one of the Biennale’s most talked-about attractions. One performance features a naked woman suspended from a bell tower, while another shows a nude rider circling on a Jet Ski inside a water tank — a commentary on Venice’s transformation into an overcrowded tourist destination. Another installation includes a woman submerged in filtered wastewater from nearby toilets, part of the exhibition titled Seaworld Venice. Israeli Pavilion Promotes Dialogue Over BoycottRomanian-born Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru created an installation centered on themes of compassion, resilience and coexistence. Water slowly drips into a pool in timed intervals symbolizing spiritual concepts from Jewish mysticism. Locks engraved with the phrase “Love thy neighbor as thyself” hang around the pavilion, accompanied by the message “This too shall pass.” Fainaru criticized the jury’s decision to exclude Israel from awards consideration, calling it discriminatory and arguing in favor of dialogue rather than boycotts. Estonian Pavilion Celebrates Everyday FeminismIn the Estonian Pavilion, artist Merike Estna will continue painting a large mural throughout the Biennale inside a former church that now serves as a community gymnasium. Her evolving artwork emphasizes the repetitive, often unrecognized labor traditionally associated with women. Curator Natalia Sielewicz described the project as a representation of everyday feminism and the ongoing work of sustaining both life and society.

A new free digital textbook developed by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center is aiming to reshape how Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and cultures are taught in schools and universities across the United States. The multimedia textbook, titled “Foundations and Futures: Asian American and Pacific Islander Multimedia Textbook,” seeks to challenge long-standing stereotypes such as “model minority” and “perpetual foreigner,” which scholars say have contributed to the marginalization of AAPI communities in American history. The project, which took years to complete and involved around 100 contributors including curriculum developers and illustrators, is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive and accessible resource for teaching AAPI experiences. “Our presence, our practices, our cultural rituals and things like that are not deemed as ‘American,’” said Karen Umemoto, co-editor and director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. “The actual putting together of this textbook also became our fight for inclusion and represents our right to be seen, our right to speak.” Co-editor Kelly Fong said the textbook will help students see themselves represented in mainstream educational materials. “Young people are going to have so many different opportunities to see themselves and their communities represented in this core text,” she said. The textbook covers a wide range of AAPI histories, including migration, labour movements, community struggles and contributions across the United States, with additional chapters planned for future updates. It also includes multimedia content such as archival images and videos. Researchers involved in the project said it gained added urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in anti-Asian hate incidents across the United States. The development of the textbook was also shaped by broader discussions on racial equity and ethnic studies education. “COVID, I think, was really one of the things that shaped the textbook the way that it did,” Fong said, adding that education can play a key role in addressing racism. The textbook includes stories of lesser-known figures and communities, ranging from Vietnamese and Hmong Americans to Indigenous Hawaiians, as well as narratives of women such as Mamie Tape and civil rights leader Patsy Takemoto Mink. However, scholars acknowledged that the project is launching amid growing political opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education, particularly under Republican-led policies in several states. Despite concerns that some schools may hesitate to adopt the material, educators involved in the project say it fills a long-standing gap in American history teaching and will serve as an important resource for teachers. Education experts say the free textbook could be especially valuable because of its accessibility and university backing, even as debates continue over ethnic studies and DEI programs in schools. The UCLA centre is now seeking additional funding to expand the project further, with plans to add more content on communities such as Tongan Americans and Taiwanese Americans in future updates.  

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the literature of Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most effective tools for removing darkness from society. He said Rabindranath is the ray of sunlight in Bengali literature. Just as sunlight dispels darkness, Rabindranath, through his timeless literary works, has illuminated and removed the darkness from our consciousness, he added. The Minister made these remarks, while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a three-day national celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in Kushtia on Friday. The event was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and implemented by the Kushtia District Administration at the historic Shilaidaha Kuthibari in Kushtia, a place deeply associated with the poet’s memories. Nitai Roy Chowdhury, in his address, also said Rabindranath was, in every sense, a humanist and a compassionate advocate for farmers. Referring to Shilaidaha as a living monument of Bengali literature and culture, he announced that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism would jointly work to transform the Kuthibari into a complete tourist destination. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula presided over the event, while eminent educationist Professor Wakil Ahmed delivered a commemorative speech titled “Rabindranath: The Poet of Peace and Humanity.” Members of Parliament Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla, Afzal Hossain and Farida Yasmin, among others, were present. The cultural affairs minister also visited the museum inside the Kuthibari and viewed the preserved memorabilia of the poet. Later, the event was followed by cultural soiree on the open stage with an inaugural musical performance by Kushtia Shilpakala Academy artist Shreha Khatun. The three-day festival features a variety of events, including Rabindra Sangeet performances, poetry recitations, dance, and drama, said a PID handout.

More than 400 years after its creation, Hamlet is enjoying renewed global popularity, appearing across film, theatre, music and social media. A National Theatre production starring Hiran Abeysekera is running at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, while a London-set film adaptation features Riz Ahmed. Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins has also drawn attention on TikTok with performances of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy. The play’s influence extends further. The film “Hamnet,” inspired by its origins, won Jessie Buckley an Oscar, while Taylor Swift topped the Billboard chart with a song linked to Ophelia. Eddie Izzard is touring a solo stage version worldwide. Huge ice block, rising costs fail to stop Everest climbers this season New interpretations continue to emerge, including productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Teatro La Plaza, the latter featuring actors with Down syndrome. Scholars say the play resonates today due to its exploration of anxiety and moral uncertainty. Filmmaker Aneil Karia has also reimagined the story in modern London, reflecting contemporary political unease. Directors and performers say the enduring appeal of “Hamlet” lies in its adaptability, with each new production offering fresh meaning for modern audiences.

Hundreds of climbers are preparing to scale Mount Everest despite the danger posed by a massive unstable ice block on the route and rising travel and permit costs. About 464 climbers, along with a similar number of Nepali guides, are now at Everest base camp waiting for the short period of favorable weather expected this month to begin their climb to the world’s highest peak, which stands nearly 8,850 meters high. Climbers started arriving at the 5,300-meter-high base camp last month. However, their progress was delayed for more than two weeks because of a huge unstable block of ice, known as a serac, hanging dangerously above the main climbing route. The elite “Icefall doctors” assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee usually complete the climbing route by mid-April by fixing ropes and placing aluminum ladders over deep crevasses. This year, however, the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall was only opened on April 29. The committee also warned climbers that the cracked serac could collapse at any moment and urged expedition teams to be extremely careful. The newly prepared route passes below the unstable ice block, which remains a major concern for climbers and guides. The Khumbu Icefall is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Everest climb because of its constantly moving glacier, deep crevasses and massive hanging ice formations, some as large as 10-story buildings. A similar falling serac triggered a deadly avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 Nepali guides and workers. Veteran mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, who is leading a large expedition team this year, said the risk is serious. “Anyone who says they are not concerned is either inexperienced or not paying attention,” he said from base camp. He added that this year’s route is more exposed and difficult than last year’s in some sections because climbers must pass under unstable ice formations. To reduce risk, Furtenbach said his team is carrying lighter loads, limiting time spent in dangerous areas and relying heavily on experienced Sherpa guides for safety decisions. Other expedition companies are also warning climbers to move carefully, especially during warmer afternoon hours when melting ice increases the risk of collapse.   António Guterres visited Nepal’s mountains in 2023 and warned about the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers caused by climate change and global warming. Despite concerns over safety, the Iran conflict and rising travel expenses, climbing activity remains strong this season, according to expedition organizer Ang Tshering Sherpa. He said the number of climbers from the United States and Europe has dropped, while more climbers from Asian countries are joining Everest expeditions. China has closed the northern route to Everest this year, forcing all climbers to attempt the ascent from Nepal’s southern side. Thousands of climbers have successfully reached Everest’s summit since it was first conquered on May 29, 1953, by New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.

A week-long exhibition titled A Shared Condition, marking the first solo showcase of artist Mubtasim Alvee, will open at Alliance Française de Dhaka on May 8. Curated by artist Mustafa Zaman, the exhibition will open at 6:00pm on Friday at Alliance Française de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. The exhibition and its associated collaborative programmes will continue until May 16 and remain open daily from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Dhaka-based multidisciplinary artist, animator and activist Mubtasim Alvee is currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of University of Dhaka. His artistic practice explores abstraction, perception and process through open-ended visual forms reflecting personal and collective experiences. Alvee is also the founder of Syllabaad Collective and the Charukola Animation Society, both aimed at encouraging collaborative learning and interdisciplinary artistic exchange. According to organisers, A Shared Condition examines the intersection between personal and collective psychological experiences. Inspired by the concept of pareidolia, the exhibition allows figures and forms to emerge organically from abstraction, reflecting memory, emotion and shifting identities. The exhibition also addresses how historical, political and cultural forces shape the psyche within a post-colonial context. Organisers said the works portray fragmented and fluid identities, highlighting continuous transformation and uncertainty. Featuring around 100 artworks created between 2024 and 2026, the exhibition includes works in acrylic, spray paint, pastel, printmaking and digital media. Alongside the artworks, the programme will include panel discussions, workshops, interactive audio-visual installations, film screenings, musical events and theatre performances. The event is supported by several organisations, including Bhabachakra, Syllabaad Collective, Charukola Animation Society, Dhaka Comics, Cartoon People, Tickify, Elaka Studios Ltd., Footprint Film Production, Siliconinja, and Street Spirits.

An exciting chapter in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape has begun with the official launch of Art Dhaka, a new art fair scheduled to be held in Dhaka from November 6–10 this year. The launch event held at Aloki on Sunday brought together diplomats, corporate leaders and members of the country’s arts and culture community, formally introducing the initiative to the public.The initiative is led by a group of individuals and institutions deeply committed to promoting the country’s arts and culture. The founding members include Durjoy Rahman, Aumia Khundkar, Amreen Bashir Ali, Fahd Sattar, and Nahar Khan. Together, they bring a powerful convergence of cultural leadership, media, philanthropy, and institutional experience. Art Dhaka has been conceived as a hybrid art fair designed to bring together artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions within a single curated environment. The fair will feature gallery presentations, curated exhibitions, public programming, and dedicated spaces for emerging artists and new collectors. The fair will be designed to create multiple points of engagement. Talks, panels, and interactive experiences will offer audiences insight into artistic practice, collecting, and the evolving role of art in society. A central focus of Art Dhaka is to bridge the generational gap among patrons and cultivate new audiences, said a press release on Thursday. Through accessible entry points, educational programming, and direct engagement with artists and curators, the platform aims to demystify the art world and build familiarity with artistic practice. By creating pathways for students, young professionals, and first-time buyers to engage with art in a meaningful way, Art Dhaka seeks to establish an informed next generation of collectors who can support and strengthen the cultural ecosystem over time. With the tagline, “Art for All,” this platform aims to be a place where artists, collectors, and institutions can meet, where new audiences can engage with confidence, and where the cultural energy of Bangladesh can be experienced at scale. The first edition of Art Dhaka aims to facilitate a space where artistic practice, audiences, and patronage come together with clarity and purpose. About the founders: Durjoy Rahman is the Founder of the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) and one of Asia’s foremost art collectors and cultural philanthropists. For over three decades, he has been deeply involved in building a distinguished collection that spans international masters alongside emerging and established South Asian artists. Through DBF, Durjoy actively supports creative practice by initiating exhibitions, artist residencies, publications, and cross-cultural collaborations worldwide. The name “Durjoy Bangladesh” translates to “Invincible Bangladesh,” reflecting a spirit of resilience and cultural strength that aligns with the foundation’s mission. DBF has long-term partnerships with leading international institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), among others, playing a vital role in placing Bangladeshi and South Asian art within major global discourses. Nahar Khan works across media, culture, and global engagement, shaping narratives that move across borders. She is the Executive Editor of the United News of Bangladesh (UNB), one of the country’s leading and most trusted independent news agencies. She oversees editorial integrity, newsroom innovation, and the agency’s ongoing transformation within an evolving information ecosystem. She is the founder of Solis, a multi-pillar platform working across strategic insights and intelligence, convening and culture. Her practice is shaped through directing exhibitions, artist residencies, high-level symposia, and international exchange programs that place Bangladeshi art in dialogue with global platforms. Her broader work includes her role on the board of Cosmos Foundation, supporting conservation, cultural and heritage initiatives. Through exhibitions and cross-border collaborations, she has worked to position Bangladesh’s narratives within wider global conversations. Her most recognised project, The Black Story, brought together artists and scholars across continents to explore shared histories through an Afro–South Asian lens. Amreen Bashir Ali is a strategist and academic working at the intersection of art, education, and global development. She leads initiatives at the Mubarak Ali Foundation focused on cultural diplomacy and education, including partnerships with institutions such as Harvard Business School, Frieze Art Fair and South by Southwest (SXSW) London. She holds degrees from McGill, Harvard, and Oxford University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin. T. Aumia Khundkar is the Deputy Managing Director of ICE Media, Bengal Group Limited and leads the operations and editorial direction of the company’s two publications, ICE Today and ICE Business Times. Beyond publishing, Khundkar has extensive experience in managing public relations and communications, and organising events such as Bengal Classical Music Festival and Dhaka Makers. With a deep-rooted affinity for art, culture, and music, her work is driven by a continued commitment to nurturing and elevating Bangladesh’s evolving creative landscape. Fahd Sattar is the Founder and CEO of Aloki, a multidisciplinary cultural space in Dhaka working across the intersections of art, music, design, performance, and public programming. He is also the co-founder of Dhaka Makers, a platform dedicated to supporting independent artisans, designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurship within Bangladesh’s evolving cultural landscape. His work focuses on building accessible and community-driven cultural infrastructure through exhibitions, festivals, markets, performances, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Through both Aloki and Dhaka Makers, Sattar has worked to create spaces that bring together artists, craftspeople, musicians, curators, and audiences in ways that encourage dialogue, experimentation, and new forms of cultural exchange. With a background rooted in creative direction, event-making, and independent cultural production, his practice explores how alternative platforms can contribute to the growth of contemporary culture and creative economies in Bangladesh.

Tucked away in Kerala’s Malappuram district, the quiet village of Kodinhi appears like any other rural settlement at first sight. But a closer look reveals an unusual pattern that has long fascinated visitors and researchers alike — an unusually high number of twins. Over the years, Kodinhi has gained global recognition as India’s “Twin Town”, where nearly 20 percent of the population are twins. In a country that generally records one of the lowest twin birth rates in the world, the village stands out as a rare demographic mystery. The village has recently returned to online attention following a widely circulated advertising campaign by e-commerce platform Flipkart. The campaign creatively builds on Kodinhi’s identity, imagining a world where everything comes in pairs, using the village’s real-life phenomenon as a metaphor for “double” value and offers. The concept has been widely appreciated on social media, with users praising its humour and originality. One user commented, “Very creative, with genuinely good jokes. They hit a home run with this concept.” A village defined by twinsKodinhi’s statistics remain extraordinary. In a community of around 2,000 families, there are an estimated 400 to 550 pairs of twins. The twin birth rate is reported at 42 to 45 per 1,000 births, far higher than India’s national average of about 4 to 9 per 1,000. What makes the phenomenon more striking is its consistency. The trend has continued for at least six to seven decades, with new twin births recorded every year. Locals also note a curious pattern — women born in Kodinhi who move elsewhere after marriage reportedly still give birth to twins, adding further intrigue to the mystery. Scientific mystery remains unsolvedDespite repeated studies by Indian and international researchers, the reason behind Kodinhi’s unusually high twin birth rate remains unclear. Scientists have explored possible environmental influences, including water composition and diet, but no consistent factor has been identified. Unlike some regions such as Nigeria’s Igbo-Ora, where specific dietary habits are linked to twin births, Kodinhi shows no such clear correlation. Genetics has also been considered a possible explanation, but researchers have yet to identify any specific gene responsible for the high rate of twins. Studies have also ruled out pollution, chemicals, lifestyle factors, and supernatural explanations suggested in local folklore. Despite the lack of scientific consensus, the phenomenon continues. A community that embraces its identityMany residents view twins as a blessing and attribute the phenomenon to divine favour. These beliefs coexist with ongoing scientific curiosity about the village. To better document and support this unique identity, locals formed the Twins and Kins Association (TAKA) in 2008. The group helps track twin births, supports families, and collaborates with researchers studying the phenomenon. #From NDTV

A rare “rainbow cloud” phenomenon captivated residents in Indonesia last week, with videos and photos quickly spreading across social media. The unusual sight sparked widespread curiosity, as users debated whether it was a natural occurrence, a symbol of good fortune, or something more mysterious. The iridescent clouds were seen over parts of Bekasi and Bogor, including Jonggol, where footage showed patches of sky glowing in shades of pink, green and blue. The clips drew millions of views, with many describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly.” However, not everyone was convinced. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the visuals, while others speculated about alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories. The authenticity of the viral videos could not be independently verified. According to local reports, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the phenomenon is both real and natural. Officials explained that it is linked to atmospheric optics. The vibrant colours are caused by cloud iridescence—often referred to as “rainbow clouds” or “fire rainbows.” This occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, evenly sized water droplets or ice crystals in thin clouds, bending and separating light into different colours to create a shimmering effect. Online, the videos attracted significant engagement, generating tens of thousands of views and thousands of reactions. Many users praised the striking visuals, while others remained skeptical or offered alternative interpretations of the phenomenon. Source NDTV