Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has made a series of explosive remarks targeting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), sports journalists, and political figures. On Friday, May 22, he posted a lengthy statement on his verified Facebook page accusing journalists of unethical practices and claiming to have evidence to support his allegations. Although he did not mention any individual by name, his comments were directed broadly at those involved in cricket administration and media.

In his post, Asif alleged that the current BCB leadership is driven by political ambition and greed, describing the state of cricket journalism as morally bankrupt. He urged media owners to reassign certain reporters away from the BCB beat to allow patriotic journalists to work freely. He also accused some journalists of spreading misinformation and focusing on trivial stories rather than national sports coverage.

Asif further claimed that remnants of a previous government still control the cricket board and called on the current administration to investigate specific individuals he described as politically connected. He asserted that he could provide proof to support his claims.

Bangladeshi DJ and singer Sonika has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Banani, Dhaka. The news comes shortly after the death of content creator and actress Karina Kaisar, who also suffered from the same illness. On the night of May 18, Sonika shared her condition with fans through social media, posting a photo from her hospital bed and writing that it would be her home for the next few days.

Following her announcement, fans, followers, and colleagues expressed their wishes for her speedy recovery on social media. Sonika began her career as a professional DJ in 2007 and quickly gained prominence in Bangladesh’s music scene. She performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and was honored in 2013 as the best Bangladeshi female DJ. She also showcased her acting talent in television dramas such as “Last Sequence” and “Triple F” in 2015.

The entertainment community remains concerned as two prominent figures have recently been affected by Hepatitis A, prompting widespread attention to health issues within the industry.

Hollywood actress Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in the comedy-drama series 'Hacks', reaffirmed her support for Palestinian rights during the 'Kering Women in Motion Talks' at the Cannes Film Festival. She said she would continue to speak out for Palestinians despite potential professional risks, emphasizing that fear of being blacklisted would not silence her. Einbinder described speaking up as a responsibility, stating that her career could never outweigh a human life.

She expressed pride in being part of the ongoing voices of Palestinians and their allies, adding that artists have a duty not only to entertain but also to stand against injustice. At Cannes, her new film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' premiered in the 'Un Certain Regard' section and received a six-minute standing ovation. In the film, she plays 'Chris', an independent filmmaker exploring themes of sexuality, body discomfort, identity, and desire.

Einbinder also reflected on the emotional end of 'Hacks', noting her sadness at saying goodbye to her character Ava. Her outspoken stance on social and political issues continues to distinguish her in Hollywood.

The Spanish High Court has ruled in favor of pop star Shakira in a long-running tax dispute, canceling a €55 million fine and ordering the Spanish tax authority to return approximately €60 million to her with interest. The court found that the amount had been collected following a 2011 tax disagreement. According to court documents, the dispute centered on whether Shakira qualified as a tax resident of Spain that year.

Under Spanish law, an individual must reside in the country for at least 183 days in a year to be considered a tax resident. Reports cited by the court indicated that Shakira spent only 163 days in Spain in 2011, meaning she was not legally required to pay Spanish taxes for that period. The ruling, issued in mid-April, became public on April 18.

Shakira’s lawyer, José Luis Prada, said the decision came after eight years of hardship, highlighting flaws in the administrative process. The case had drawn attention due to similar tax issues previously faced by her former husband, ex-footballer Gerard Piqué.

Renowned South Asian singer Runa Laila and Bangladeshi musician, composer, and director Bappa Majumder have released their first Bengali ghazal titled 'Anayase'. Written by Galib Hasan and composed by Bappa Majumder, the song was published on May 16 at 9 p.m. on Bappa Majumder’s YouTube channel. The music video was also directed by Bappa. A launch event was held the same evening at a club in Banani, Dhaka, hosted by National Film Award-winning singer Konal.

Originally intended to be a solo performance by Runa Laila, the ghazal became a duet at her own request. Bappa Majumder expressed deep gratitude and emotion for the opportunity to sing alongside Runa Laila, describing it as a dream come true. Runa Laila praised the lyrics, composition, and Bappa’s dedication to perfection, extending her best wishes to him and lyricist Galib Hasan.

The release follows Runa Laila’s recent recognition at the 15th International Film Festival in Delhi, where she received the 'Minar-e-Delhi' award. She is also scheduled to perform on BTV’s 'Ananda Mela' during the upcoming Eid celebrations.

Karina Kaiser, a content creator and actress who passed away in India, was laid to rest in Abdullahpur village of Gazaria upazila, Munshiganj, on Monday morning. Her final funeral prayer took place at 7 a.m. behind Bhoberchar bus stand, followed by burial in the garden of her grandmother’s house. She was the daughter of former national footballer Kaiser Hamid and Lopa Kaiser.

According to family sources, after public tributes and funeral prayers in Dhaka, her body was brought to Gazaria late Sunday night. Although her maternal home is in Puran Bausia, the burial was arranged at her grandmother Dr. Zohra Khanam Parul’s residence in Abdullahpur. Local announcements invited residents to bid farewell to the beloved local figure.

The family kept the funeral private, restricting media and mobile access at the site. Karina’s brother Sadat Hamid told reporters that the decision aimed to avoid publicity and large gatherings. Karina had died last Friday in a Chennai hospital following prolonged liver complications, and her body arrived in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon before being taken to Gazaria.

Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has died in Chennai, India, after suffering from liver complications and other health issues. Her body was flown to Dhaka on Friday afternoon via a US-Bangla Airlines flight. According to family sources, three funeral prayers were scheduled in the capital: the first after Maghrib at Banani DOHS Jame Mosque, the second at 8 p.m. at Banani Darbar Sharif Mosque, and the third at 10 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, where fans and colleagues could pay their respects.

A fourth funeral prayer will be held on Monday morning in Abdullahpur, Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj, followed by burial at the family graveyard. Karina gained wide popularity among young audiences through her lively social media presence and realistic content. She also worked in OTT productions and television dramas, earning recognition as both an actress and screenwriter. Her notable works include the web series “Internship” and the film “36-24-36.”

Her untimely death has cast a shadow over the cultural community, with colleagues, directors, and fans expressing grief and condolences online.

Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has passed away in Chennai, India, after suffering from severe liver-related complications. She was taken to Chennai for advanced treatment and was under care at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore. Her father, former national footballer Kaiser Hamid, confirmed her death. Doctors reportedly tried their best to save her after her blood pressure dropped suddenly during antibiotic treatment on Friday.

According to family sources, Karina initially developed a fever that later turned into a severe infection. She was diagnosed with liver failure caused by complications from hepatitis A and E. After her condition worsened, she was moved to intensive care and placed on life support at a private hospital in Dhaka before being flown to India by air ambulance.

Karina Kaiser was well known among young audiences for her creative social media content and acting performances. She had recently been focusing on acting and scriptwriting. Her untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the entertainment community and her admirers.

Sifar Café, located in the Bamzu area of Anantnag about 40 kilometers from Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, has become a major tourist attraction following the shooting of the Tamil blockbuster film 'Leo'. Once a quiet local hangout, the café was featured in the movie as 'Café Wild Beans', where actor Vijay portrayed a café owner leading a double life as a gangster.

Since the film’s release in 2023, the café has drawn large numbers of visitors from Tamil Nadu, particularly after Vijay took office as the state’s chief minister. Fans recreate scenes from the movie, make social media reels, and dance to Vijay’s popular songs during their visits.

The café’s signature item, ‘chocolate coffee’, has become a favorite among tourists, as it was served by Vijay in the film. Staff members said Tamil Nadu location scouts first selected the site in 2022, and filming continued there for 25 days with stars including Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sandy Master.

Netflix has announced the return of its globally popular Spanish crime drama series 'Money Heist' or 'La Casa de Papel'. The original series officially ended in 2021 after five seasons, but nearly five years later, the streaming platform released a teaser titled 'The World of Money Heist Continues' on social media, confirming that the franchise’s story is not over. The teaser hinted that the 'Money Heist' universe will expand further, sparking widespread speculation online.

The teaser, shared on Netflix’s official channels, suggested that a new project is in development, though it remains unclear whether it will be a sixth season, a spin-off, or a sequel. Meanwhile, the second season of 'Berlin', titled 'Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine', is set for global release on May 15. The promotional materials featured the series’ signature red and black theme and referenced the iconic 'Bella Ciao' motif, symbolizing that the revolution continues.

The teaser also revisited iconic heist scenes from the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain, while hinting at new missions that could broaden the franchise’s storyline.

Bangladesh has introduced its first full-fledged micro drama series titled 'Silver Sadia', designed specifically for mobile-first viewers. The series, produced by Mayer Doa Studios and directed by Miraz Hossain, is presented entirely in a vertical format, with each episode lasting only three minutes. A special vertical screening event was recently held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, attended by media professionals, industry figures, and invited guests.

According to the creators, the story follows a young madrasa student from a lower-middle-class family who secretly develops a passion for gaming. With her mother’s quiet support, she begins live streaming on YouTube and gradually builds her own audience. The plot intensifies when her father discovers her secret, leading to a confrontation that explores themes of family, distance, and self-discovery.

Industry insiders view this micro-format storytelling as a bold and timely step for Bangladesh’s digital entertainment sector, signaling new creative possibilities for short-form vertical content.

Bangladeshi-origin music producer and DJ Sanjay has been confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The grand event will take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, United States, where Sanjay will share the stage with globally renowned artists including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa.

Sanjay expressed his excitement on social media, describing the opportunity as an incredible milestone in his journey from a small home studio to the world stage. He has already made a mark in the music scenes of South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe-America, but this performance is expected to elevate his career to a new level.

FIFA announced that each match-day show will begin 90 minutes before kickoff to encourage early attendance. The opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada will last 13 minutes, while Mexico’s will run for 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, FIFA will host special celebrations on July 4 in Philadelphia and Houston to mark the United States’ 250th Independence Day.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a major initiative to introduce e-ticketing and a central box office system across the country’s cinema halls. The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has prepared a development project proposal worth about Tk 50 crore to bring all theatres under a central server. The plan aims to ensure transparency and modern management in the film industry, which has long suffered from irregularities.

BFDC Managing Director Masuma Tani said that producers and directors have long demanded e-ticketing to prevent financial losses and revenue ambiguity. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already given policy approval, with State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury expressing support. The ministry has instructed that the proposal be submitted before Eid-ul-Azha, emphasizing cost efficiency in implementation.

BFDC has held several meetings with cinema owners, producers, directors, and online streaming platforms, most of whom support the central box office plan. Once the proposal is submitted, it will be reviewed internally by the ministry and then sent to the Planning Commission for final approval before nationwide rollout.

The Directorate of Films and Publications (DFP) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced a government initiative to produce two short films highlighting Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and culture. According to a public notice issued by the DFP, experienced consultancy firms are invited to submit applications and scripts for the projects by May 9, 2026, at noon.

One of the films will be based on the folk tale 'Gazi Kalu and Champabati' and will run 25 to 30 minutes with English subtitles. The government has allocated Tk 2 million for its production. The second film will focus on a story promoting Islamic culture, tolerance, and unity, with a duration of 12 to 15 minutes and a budget of Tk 1 million. Selected firms will be responsible for all stages of production, including scripting, casting, shooting, editing, dubbing, and color grading.

The DFP emphasized that the films must combine modern technical standards with creativity, and participating firms must have at least five years of professional experience.

Dhaka’s theatre scene is set for a vibrant celebration on May Day, with two major troupes organizing daylong events. Aranyak Natyadal will begin its program at 10 a.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, featuring May Day songs, recitations, Baul music, and a discussion session. The discussion will include Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president Dr. Fauzia Moslem. The troupe will also stage Mannan Hira’s street play “Murkh Loker Murkh Kotha.” Later, at 6:30 p.m., the second session will be held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall, featuring music performances and Aranyak’s acclaimed play “Rarang,” written and directed by Mamunur Rashid. As in previous years, a special publication titled “May Dayer Kagoj” will be released.

Meanwhile, theatre group BotTola will present two shows of its children’s play “Bonyatherium” at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity on Bailey Road, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Directed by Evan Riaz and adapted from Sukumar Ray’s “Hesoram Hushiyarer Diary,” the play explores human greed, commercialism, and environmental destruction through the story of a mysterious creature, offering both entertainment and moral reflection for audiences of all ages.