United News of Bangladesh

The Salt Path, a widely celebrated memoir of resilience and healing, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that key elements of the story may have been fabricated—raising questions about the integrity of the narrative and the future of both the book and its recent film adaptation. Authored by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path recounts the journey of Winn and her husband, Moth, as they trekked 630 miles along England’s South West Coast Path after losing their home and learning of Moth’s rare terminal illness, corticobasal degeneration (CBD). The memoir resonated with millions, selling over 2 million copies, spawning two sequels, and leading to a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. However, a report published last Sunday by The Observer has challenged the veracity of the memoir. The investigation claims the couple’s real names are Sally and Timothy Walker and that their financial downfall stemmed not from a failed investment, as stated, but from allegations of embezzlement. It also alleges the couple were not actually homeless, as they reportedly owned a house in France at the time. Stay cool with these heat-fighting gadgets and wearables Further doubts have been cast over Moth’s medical condition. Experts interviewed by The Observer questioned whether he had CBD at all, citing his apparent recovery and lack of typical symptoms. In response, Penguin Michael Joseph, the book’s publisher, announced on Friday that the release of Winn’s upcoming book On Winter Hill would be delayed. The decision follows growing public concern and what the publisher described as “intrusive conjecture” about the couple’s circumstances. Winn has rejected the allegations as “highly misleading,” while admitting to “mistakes” in her business past. She released documents that she claims support Moth’s diagnosis and said the backlash had left them “devastated.” Penguin stated that it had conducted “the necessary pre-publication due diligence” and had received no prior complaints about the book. Eminent poet Al Mahmud’s 89th birth anniversary being celebrated Friday As questions loom over future sales and the film’s U.S. distribution, the controversy has already begun impacting the author’s public engagements. Winn has withdrawn from her planned appearance on the Saltlines tour due to ongoing legal proceedings. Source: Agency 

A four-day art camp titled 'SPBA Bhutan Art Camp 2025' has recently commenced at the Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu, Bhutan, bringing together eight Bangladeshi and two Bhutanese artists for a collaborative exploration of creativity and cultural exchange. Organised by the Society for Promotion of Bangladesh Art (SPBA), the camp began on Monday (July 8) and will continue until July 12, according to a message received here on Friday. A total of eight Bangladeshi artists — including Ekushey Padak-winning eminent artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma — are participating in the camp. The other Bangladeshi artists are Azmeer Hossain, Shahid Qazi, Suman Wahed, Saikat Hussain, Farzana Rahman Bobby, Rupshree Hajong and Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury. They are joined by two promising Bhutanese artists — Ugyen Tshering Doya and Kishor Dahal. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Kanak Chanpa Chakma said, “The new building of the Bangladesh Embassy in Bhutan, designed by renowned architect Rafiq Azam, calls for several paintings as part of its architectural concept. With his design and in collaboration with the embassy's overall vision, we, the eight Bangladeshi and two Bhutanese artists, are participating in this art camp.” “We are collectively creating around 35 to 40 artworks, which will be installed in the newly constructed embassy. These works will be visible to people from both Bhutan and Bangladesh as representations of our artistic identity, and I believe this is a wonderful initiative,” she stated. Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan, Shib Nath Roy, visited the camp and commended the effort, interacting with the participating artists and expressing his appreciation for the cultural collaboration.  

The 89th birth anniversary of Al Mahmud, one of the most prominent voices in modern Bangla poetry, is being observed on Friday with reverence and remembrance across literary circles in the country. Born on July 11, 1936, in Brahmanbaria, Al Mahmud (full name - Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud) played a pivotal role in reshaping Bangla poetry in the post-Tagore era. His acclaimed collection 'Sonali Kabin' (Golden Dowry) brought together themes of rural life, love, history, nationalism, and spirituality in a lyrical and distinctly local voice, earning him wide recognition. In the early hours of Friday, Bangla Academy paid tribute to the late poet through a commemorative social media post. In the post, the Academy remembered Al Mahmud’s contributions to Bangla literature and noted that he had been awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1968. The post also recalled how, following his death on February 15, 2019, his body was brought to the Academy’s Nazrul Mancha the next day for people to pay their final respects. As part of the tribute, the Academy shared two archival photographs of Al Mahmud taken at the Academy premises, alongside a solo portrait provided by Photoseum, the photography initiative of the Ekushey Padak-winning eminent photographer and Bangla Academy Fellow Nasir Ali Mamun. In a deeply personal reflection, Nasir Ali Mamun shared a poignant note on the aforementioned Facebook post of Bangla Academy, stating, “Even during his lifetime, Al Mahmud was forcibly erased. This story is long." Poet Al Mahmud’s 84th birth anniversary observed "In 1974, he was imprisoned. I, too, was in the same cell with him at Dhaka Central Jail for some days. We haven’t forgotten the brutality of the Rakkhi Bahini," Nasir Ali Mamun recalled, referencing the documentation of these events in Ahmed Musa’s book 'Itihasher Kathgoray Awami League' and in Al Mahmud’s own memoirs. Mamun continued, “Individuals and institutions deliberately tried to erase the poet from poetry; what remains is the heavy sorrow and the history of a culture of neglect, and today, that sorrow rises with a howl. Let us celebrate the sorrowful poet Al Mahmud. Thank you, Bangla Academy.” Throughout his career, Al Mahmud published a vast body of work including poetry, fiction, and essays. His literary voice was closely tied to the nation’s cultural and political transformations, from the Language Movement to post-independence complexities. Despite facing political censorship and personal adversity, his poetry endured—often circulating beyond mainstream platforms. Al Mahmud’s major publications include the poetry collections 'Lok Lokantor', 'Kaler Kalosh', 'Sonali Kabin', 'Mayabi Porda Dule Otho', 'Arobbo Rojonir Rajhash', and 'Bokul Chokh'; novels such as 'Kobi O Kolahol', 'Purusher Jobanbondi', and 'Upomohadesh'; short story collections like 'Pankourir Rokto' and 'Duhshomoy'; and his memoir 'Jiboner Jolchhobi'. Al Mahmud’s 83rd birth anniversary Today, Al Mahmud is remembered not only as a poet of unmatched lyrical beauty but also as a symbol of resistance against cultural marginalization. His legacy continues to shape the literary landscape of Bangladesh.

Tsukudani, a sweet Japanese side dish commonly served with hot rice, traces its origins back to the samurai era in a small neighborhood called Tsukuda in old Tokyo. In Japanese, adding “ni” to a word indicates the dish is cooked in that place. Today, professional tsukudani is available packaged at many Asian food stores and, naturally, in the Tsukuda area itself. A Tokyo correspondent for The Associated Press shares a basic tsukudani recipe that anyone can try at home. Tsukudani involves simmering bite-sized pieces of meat or vegetables in a dark, sweet sauce over low heat. The ideal flavor develops after about an hour, allowing the sauce to fully infuse into the food. It is important to watch the pot carefully during cooking. Traditionally, tsukudani is served alongside hot rice or sake, or it can be used as a filling for rice balls. The surprising health benefits of mangoes, says nutritionist Easy Tsukudani recipe, from AP’s Yuri Kageyama Preparation time: One hourServings: 5 Ingredients: ·         ½ cup of clams, tuna, seaweed, shrimp, meat, or other desired ingredients ·         ¼ cup sliced ginger ·         2 tablespoons sugar ·         ½ teaspoon salt ·         1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine) ·         2 tablespoons soy sauce ·         1 teaspoon sake (rice wine) ·         2 teaspoons roasted sesame seeds Directions:Chop the clams, tuna, seaweed, shrimp, or meat into small pieces about the size of a pea. Slice the ginger into thin pieces. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over low heat for about one hour, until the liquid evaporates. Finish by sprinkling roasted sesame seeds on top.

Popular book retailer and publishing house ‘Baatighar’ has stepped into its 21st year, marking the occasion with a vibrant celebration titled ‘Alap, Adda, Abritti O Gaan’ on Tuesday at its flagship store inside the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro building in the capital’s Banglamotor. The event brought together writers, readers, artists, journalists, and well-wishers, creating a lively gathering that reflected the institution’s growing legacy as a literary and cultural hub. Speaking at the celebration, noted educationist and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, “The book trade in Bangladesh is now in its second generation, and ‘Baatighar’ is leading the way. They have set a standard by proving that a bookstore can be both attractive and intellectually engaging; witnessing ‘Baatighar’s growth brings me joy.” Addressing the decline in book sales, Professor Sayeed added, “It’s not about how many read books—what matters is that those who do are the ones capable of moving a nation and society forward.” Eminent intellectual Badruddin Umar praised ‘Baatighar’ for publishing quality books and urged greater focus on translation to enrich Bangla literature. “It’s a matter that has been long overdue; and if publishers like ‘Baatighar’ emphasize translation, the next generation will benefit tremendously,” he said. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said, “To survive 21 years is no small feat for any business. Even though books may not be the most commercially viable product, ‘Baatighar’’s perseverance gives us hope in this country.” In a welcome message, Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud said, “Like the creative bookstores found in major cities around the world, ‘Baatighar’ has established itself as a leading and innovative publishing house in Bangladesh. I wish ‘Baatighar’ continued success and growing recognition among readers and writers alike.” Group art exhibition ‘AESTHETE’ underway at Alliance Française de Dhaka Other speakers at the event included Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam, Professor Mansur Musa, writers Anisul Hoque, Mohit Kamal, Badal Syed, Altaf Parvez, Afsana Begum, artist Shaheenur Rahman, July revolutionary Umama Fatema, and journalist-presenter Deepti Chowdhury, among others. The event began at 5 pm, and the cultural performances continued in between by Warda Ashraf, Dipankar Dey, Gargi Ghosh and others. Founded in a modest 10x10-foot room in Chattogram’s Cheragi Pahar with minimal capital and enormous love for books, ‘Baatighar’ began its journey on June 17, 2005. As of June 17, 2025, it has completed 20 years and entered its 21st. Now with six branches across four major cities—Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi—‘Baatighar’ boasts spacious, elegantly designed bookstores, including outlets in Shahbagh and Banglabazar in the capital. In 2017, ‘Baatighar’ formally launched as a full-fledged publishing house and has since published over 400 titles, earning acclaim at home and abroad for its high-quality content, precise editing, appealing cover designs, and durable binding. It has also participated in international book fairs and entered into publishing contracts with publishers in Europe and North America. At the 2025 Amar Ekushey Book Fair, ‘Baatighar’ won the top award in the pavilion category for its aesthetic design and presentation. To celebrate its 21st year, ‘Baatighar’ plans to host large-scale events in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, turning its bookstores into festive spaces welcoming writers, artists, journalists, and readers from all walks of life. The celebrations will continue through December 2025, including regional book fairs and a variety of book-related events and publications.

A compelling group exhibition titled 'AESTHETE' was inaugurated at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD)'s La Galerie on Tuesday, featuring the works of 28 talented and renowned Bangladeshi artists. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was joined by eminent artist and Professor Emeritus of the Dhaka University Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Art connoisseur Raquib Mohammad Fakhrul and renowned artist Ranjit Das attended the event as special guests. Curated as a reflection of Bangladesh’s evolving artistic landscape, 'AESTHETE' showcases nearly 33 paintings and sculptures that explore themes rooted in nature, folk traditions, socio-political realities, and contemporary life. The exhibition spans abstract and representational styles, inviting visitors into a space of visual poetry and personal narratives. ‘Invisible Stories’ captivates Dhaka audience at BSA ahead of France Tour The participating artists include Abdullah Al Bashir, Abdus Sattar Toufiq, Al-Akhir Sarker, Anjum Sulaiman, Anukul Chandra Mojumder, Ashfaque Bappy, Biplob Chakroborti, Bishwajit Goswami, K. Zaman Shimul, Kamal Uddin, Kamruzzoha, Kazi Sahid, Lutfa Mahmuda, Md Ziaur Rahman, Monjur Rashid, Muntasir Moin, Naeem Zaman, Nazia Ahmed, Pradyut Kumar Das, Ratnashwar Sutradhwar, Rezaur Rahman, Ruhul Amin Tarek, SM Saha Anisuzzaman Faroque, Sourav Chowdhury, Sumon Wahed, Syed Golam Dastagir, and Trivedi Gopal Chandra Gupu. Through this diverse presentation, 'AESTHETE' fosters a space for contemplation and dialogue—encouraging a shared journey of discovery between artists and viewers. The exhibition is open to the public from July 8 to 15 (Monday to Saturday), 3 to 9 pm.

Shouts of excitement echoed along the Seine at morning as Parisians legally plunged into the river for the first time in more than 100 years. Designated swimming areas, including two new wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis, opened to the public as part of a long-anticipated initiative to revive urban swimming in the heart of Paris. Ahead of the opening, a municipal worker cleared patches of algae from the water with a net, and soon, eager swimmers lined up with towels in hand, ready to jump in. Cheers and joyful cries filled the air as the first swimmers entered the emerald-green river. Strict safety measures were in place, including mandatory bright yellow lifebuoys for all swimmers and lifeguards stationed along the banks. The river's mild current served as a reminder that the Seine remains a bustling, living waterway. “It’s amazing to swim right in the center of the city, especially with the heatwave we’ve had,” said Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker from Paris. “I expected it to be cooler, but it’s warmer than I thought.” Can you have Mayonnaise on a weight loss diet? here's what experts say The return of public swimming follows a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) clean-up effort linked to last summer’s Olympics. Authorities say the Seine now meets European water quality standards on most days. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who took an early swim last year, attended Saturday’s event, holding up a bottle of river water to demonstrate confidence in its cleanliness. Environmental officials confirmed bacteria levels were well within safety limits.

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), hosted the opening shows of the body puppet theatre performance Invisible Stories on Saturday and Friday at BSA Experimental Theatre Hall, drawing a captivated and enthusiastic audience. Directed by renowned French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, the intercultural production featured a powerful performance by Cannac herself alongside Bangladeshi artist Md Farhad Ahmed. Combining elements of puppetry, dance, and music, the show marked a unique Bangladesh-France collaboration in contemporary theatre. 'Invisible Stories' told the tale of two scientists in Dhaka investigating the influence of ghosts on daily life. As their obsession grows, they are overtaken by the supernatural and drawn into a surreal voyage through the haunted and mystical Sundarbans. The performance shed lights on diverse oral traditions across faiths and communities, blending folklore with modern theatrical technique. Gallery Cosmos workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate concludes Following the Dhaka shows, the production is set to tour France starting in mid-August 2025. For the international leg, performers Md Farhad Ahmed and Swatee Bhadra will represent the production in cities including Charleville-Mézières, Paris, Cluny, Dijon, and Besançon. The piece will be staged at notable venues and festivals such as the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, Théâtre Paris-Villette, and Festival Contes Givrés. Laurie Cannac, classically trained at Théâtre-Ecole du Passage, is known for her emotionally resonant and physical puppet theatre. She founded Compagnie Graine de Vie in 1997 and has led numerous intercultural collaborations. Md Farhad Ahmed, associated with Prachyanat Theatre since 2012 and Jolputul Puppets since 2014, brings his expertise in dance, choreography, and puppetry to the production. Swatee Bhadra, a fellow performing artist, joins him for the upcoming France tour. The show was free and open to all.  

The three-day unique art workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques ‘Alchemy of Light’ concluded on Sunday at Gallery Cosmos, shedding the spotlight on these two alternative photographic printmaking processes, each with unique characteristics and applications. Led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, the workshop brought together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. The concluding day was graced by Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean, Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professors Dr Anisuzzaman Anis and Dr Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, among others. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy “Since the inception of our Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, a number of art enthusiasts from home and abroad have joined to learn, practice and showcase their artistic power on a regular basis. We organize multiple unique art events and artistic ventures in a calendar year, and this special workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques under the title ‘Alchemy of Light’ by acclaimed artist Juton Chandra Roy have been a priority project for us,” Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said on the occasion. “Talented artists from diverse background across the nation joined this workshop including prominent artists-art educators such as Professor Anis, Bishwajit Goswami and others; and they all have enthusiastically learned these relatively new artistic methods together in this workshop, and we will showcase the artworks from the workshop in a future exhibition soon,” she added. While exploring the workshop, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean praised the initiative, saying it was “very innovative” to organize such a workshop. “From my perspective, it’s particularly commendable as it uses natural colours—creating a dialogue between art and ecology. With this initiative, you are touching something deeply connected to that link. Our imagination in art comes from nature, and it’s important to strengthen that bond,” he told UNB.

Dr Sarwar Ali has been appointed as the new President of Chhayanaut, one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cultural organisations, three months after the passing of the legendary cultural activist Sanjida Khatun. Dr Ali, who had been serving as the Executive President, was named President at Chhayanaut's first annual general meeting since Sanjida Khatun's death, held on Friday. Chhayanaut confirmed the selection of Dr Ali as its new President to UNB, and the Facebook page of Chhayanaut also updated the details of the announcement on Saturday. Chhayanaut's executive committee has also been reorganised during the meeting. Khairul Anam Shakil and Partha Tanvir Naved have been named as Vice Presidents, while Laisa Ahmed Lisa continues as General Secretary. The newly formed executive council also features Mofidul Haque, Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury, Nahas Khalil, Aminul Kawsar Dipu, Sahana Akhter Rahman Papri, Masuda Nargis Anam Kalpana, Zubair Yusuf, Gautam Sarkar, Jasmine Buli, and Semanti Manjari. Meanwhile, Saeeda Kamal and Ruchira Tabassum Naved have joined the Chhayanaut Board of Trustees, filling the positions left vacant by the recent passing of Nurunnahar Abedin and Sanjida Khatun. Shilpakala Academy hosts ‘Ananda Utsab’ celebrating Eid-ul-Azha Dr Sarwar Ali has been associated with Chhayanaut since 1967. In his professional life, he is a pioneer with his broad experience as a medical practitioner. Currently, Dr Ali serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Renata PLC. He is also serving as the Trustee of the Liberation War Museum, Chairman of the Board of Management at BIRDEM Hospital, and Vice President of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association. Sanjida Khatun, a leading figure in the Bengali cultural movement and Chhayanaut’s longstanding President since 1999, passed away on March 25 this year while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. She had been in declining health for several years. Chhayanaut was founded in 1961 as a bold cultural response to the Pakistani regime’s attempt to suppress Bengali identity. The organisation was born in the wake of the Rabindranath Tagore birth centenary celebrations, which it had carried out despite official restrictions. Chhayanaut’s founding president was poet and activist Sufia Kamal. Following her death in 1999, Sanjida Khatun took over the role and led the organisation for more than two decades.