Bangladeshi model and actress Tanjia Zaman Methila has made history by ranking among the top three contestants in the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently taking place in Pak Kret, Thailand. Representing Bangladesh, Methila secured over 192,000 votes in the ‘People’s Choice’ category, placing her third behind contestants from the Philippines and Chile. She is also performing strongly in several other categories, including first place in ‘Best National Costume’ and second in both ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Best Evening Gown’. Methila expressed her gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their overwhelming support and said she is motivated to continue performing well. Voting continues until November 19, with the grand finale scheduled for November 21. This marks Bangladesh’s best-ever performance in the Miss Universe pageant.

HBO is developing a live-action television adaptation of the iconic comic series 'V for Vendetta,' according to Variety. The project is in early development, with writer Pete Jackson attached to create the series. Warner Bros. Television will produce the show, joined by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran as executive producers, alongside Ben Stephenson and Leanne Klein from Warner Bros. Television Studios UK. The original comic, created by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, depicts a dystopian future Britain ruled by a totalitarian regime, with a masked vigilante named V leading a rebellion. The adaptation follows HBO’s growing slate of DC live-action series, including 'The Penguin.' The 2005 film version of 'V for Vendetta' was a critical and commercial success, and Warner Bros. plans to re-release it in theaters in November 2026 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

A recent study by Vantage Point Counseling Services has found that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly significant emotional presence in the lives of Americans. According to the research, 54% of participants now view AI as an entity similar to a co-worker, friend, or even a family member, reflecting a major shift in how people perceive digital assistants. Most notably, 28% admitted they are involved in intimate or romantic relationships with AI chatbots, marking a dramatic expansion beyond the traditional use of technology as a tool. Participants described their AI companions in a variety of roles, including platonic friends, business partners, personal trainers, therapists, siblings, and even parental figures. The study identified more than 30 AI platforms being used for such relationships, with GPT ranking as the most popular, followed by Apple’s Siri and Google’s Gemini. Researchers suggest that technology-driven loneliness and weakening human connections are accelerating this rise in AI-based intimacy. Real-life examples underline this trend—such as a man who proposed to his AI partner after nearly 100,000 words of conversation, despite having a partner and child in his real life. Many respondents also revealed they are avoiding new human relationships or struggling with infidelity and emotional detachment.

A Union Volunteer Party leader, Masud Sheikh (46), died following a violent attack in Kalia upazila of Narail. Masud, serving as the Member Secretary of Babra-Hachla Union’s Volunteer Party, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning (October 28) while undergoing treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital. The assault occurred on Monday night (October 27) in Shukta village, after a dispute erupted during a local Ha-du-du (Kabaddi) game. Despite an initial settlement by influential locals, Masud was later ambushed and beaten with local weapons and hammers by rival group members while returning home. His brother alleged that the attack was carried out under the leadership of Sujon Khan (18) because Masud had opposed local drug dealings. Police have deployed additional forces to maintain order, and an investigation is underway. The body has been sent for autopsy at Khulna Medical College morgue.

Celebrated singer Tahsan Khan has announced that he is gradually stepping away from his two-decade-long music career. His verified Facebook and Instagram accounts—once followed by millions—have mysteriously disappeared, sparking speculation among fans.

At a recent concert in Melbourne, Australia, Tahsan clarified, “This is not my last concert, but my last tour. Slowly, I will retire from music—it’s only natural. Can someone jump on stage forever? My daughter is growing up. If I now stand and sing ‘Dure Tumi Dariye,’ how would that look?”

The audience was stunned, many breaking into tears, but Tahsan remained resolute, continuing his performance. He later summed up his decision in a single sentence: “I chose this path in hopes of living a simple life.”

Renowned Bollywood actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots, has passed away at the age of 90.
His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, confirmed the news, stating that he breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Mumbai.
Potdar’s illustrious career included acclaimed performances in films such as Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.

Bangladeshi media personality and aspiring politician Hero Alom has expressed interest in running for mayor, possibly in the Dhaka South City Corporation election. Speaking to reporters, he said, “No election is easy. I'm working in my own way, but ultimately it depends on the people.”

Alom added that if there is strong public demand, he would consider contesting in the national elections as well. “Right now, my focus is on the mayoral race. Many are calling and encouraging me. Discussions are ongoing. I want a chance to serve the people,” he said.

Hero Alom previously contested in the 2023 by-elections for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 constituencies.

Controversial singer Mainul Ahsan Noble has once again landed in legal trouble. On the night of July 19, he was arrested by Mirpur Model Police for allegedly assaulting an Uber driver while under the influence of alcohol.

According to the driver, Noble refused to exit the vehicle after reaching his destination and proceeded to abuse and physically assault him. Noble was accompanied by his former wife, Salsabil, at the time. Locals intervened and called police, who took both parties to the station. This isn't Noble’s first controversy—he has previously faced allegations ranging from public misconduct in Kurigram to a rape case in Dhaka.

Photos of actor Somu Chowdhury lying alone under a tree near the Mukhi Shah Miskin shrine in Gafargaon, Mymensingh, have gone viral online. Explaining the situation, Somu said, “I came here with just one set of clothes. After washing them, I didn’t have anything else to wear, so I lay under the banyan tree with a towel. When I woke up, I realized I had gone viral nationwide.”

Police initially detained him but released him after confirming that there were no issues.

Major Chinese tech companies have disabled AI tools to curb cheating during the four-day gaokao, China’s critical university entrance exams with over 13 million students participating. Platforms like ByteDance’s Doubao, DeepSeek, Tencent’s Yuanbao, Alibaba’s Qwen, and Kimi have limited functions such as question answering and image recognition. The move aligns with broader measures like biometric checks, AI surveillance, and signal jammers to ensure exam integrity. Cities have also taken supportive steps, including traffic priority for students and delaying public events.

Star Cineplex has issued a warning about fraud rings exploiting the high demand for movie tickets. According to the authorities, scammers are creating fake online groups, pages, and websites in the name of Star Cineplex to sell movie tickets. Many unsuspecting customers have already fallen victim to these scams.
The management has advised moviegoers to avoid sharing personal or payment details with suspicious accounts. Tickets should only be purchased through the official website (www.cineplexbd.com) or their verified Messenger handle (m.me/mycineplex). Customers may also buy tickets directly from Star Cineplex counters.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has summoned financial records for actor Mahfuz Ahmed, his wife Israt Jahan, and two other individuals, including Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and his wife Sharifa Quader. Authorities have requested statements from July 1, 2017, onward for all types of bank accounts, including fixed deposits, savings, loans, foreign currency accounts, credit cards, lockers, and investment holdings. Earlier, the NBR’s Central Intelligence Cell had also issued a directive to freeze the accounts of GM Quader and Sharifa Quader.

‘Kiyori Pekra Uwo,’ Bangladesh’s first-ever film in the Mro language, will be screened at the prestigious University of Cambridge under the title ‘Dear Mother.’ The screening, organized by the Indigenous Studies Group Cambridge, is scheduled for today at 2:30 PM local time. Since its 2023 release, the film has been showcased at top universities in Bangladesh, sparking discussions on Indigenous representation, community-based filmmaking, and artistic resistance against capitalist constraints. Director SK Shubho Sadik revealed that the International Center for Social Science in Amsterdam has preserved the film due to its anthropological and artistic significance.

At the beginning of January, director Alok Hasan announced a new film titled Togor, featuring Ador Azad and actress Dighi. However, recent updates reveal that Dighi has been dropped from the project. In the motion poster, actress Puja Cherry has replaced her. Addressing the change, the director stated that he had multiple reasons for replacing Dighi but chose not to disclose them. He added that Puja Cherry is a perfect fit for the role. Cherry mentioned that she initially declined the offer but later agreed after the director convinced her.

A robbery occurred on a Dhaka-Rajshahi bus, but no rape took place, according to Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman. He stated that jewelry was snatched from female passengers, and incidental physical contact during the act could be considered harassment. Three suspects were arrested in Savar, and a police officer was suspended for negligence. The robbery lasted three hours, and passengers had previously detained the bus staff, who were later released on bail. A case was filed against 8 to 9 unidentified individuals.