Aly Zaker, a valiant freedom fighter, Ekushey award-winning cultural personality and noted actor, died of old-age complications at a hospital in the capital today (Friday). He was 76. Aly Zaker breathed his last around 6.40am while he was undergoing treatment at the United Hospital in the city. He is survived by wife, one son, a daughter and a host of relatives and admirers. Aly Zaker had been suffering from cancer and various old-age complications. He was also found COVID-19 positive after his sample test on November 16. Earlier on November 17, he was admitted to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital due to cardiac problem. “His body was taken to liberation war museum at 11am for paying last tribute and he will be buried at Banani graveyard with state honour following a Namaj-E-Janaza after Asr prayers today,” said Sammilito Sangskrit Jote President Golam Kuddus. President M Abdul Hamid, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haq and State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid have expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Aly Zaker. Aly Zaker was born on November 6 in 1944 in Chattogram. He was the third among four siblings, and spent his early childhood in Kushtia and Madaripur. His father was a high-ranking government official who transferred every few years. He studied at Notre Dame College and graduated from the University of Dhaka. Aly Zaker served as a freedom fighter in the Liberation War. He was in Sector 8 with Major General Manzoor. In 1972, Aly Zaker joined Aranyak Natya Dal. His first stage appearance was taken place with performance in a drama of ‘Kabor’ written by Munier Chowdhury. Later, he joined Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, where his most memorable work — “Dewan Gazir Kissa”, “Nurul Din-er Shara Jibon”, “Macbeth” and “Galileo”, among many others — came. Aly Zaker directed plays like “Baki Itihash”, “Bidogdho Romonikul”, “Toilo Sankat”, “Ei Nishiddho Polli Te” and “Ocholayoton”, among others. On television, he is known for classics like “Aaj Robibar” and “Bohubrihi”. Aly Zaker married eminent theatre personality Sara Zaker in 1975 and they have a son Iresh Zaker and daughter Sriya Sharbojoya. He was one of the trustees in the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Aly Zaker was the Chairman of Asiatic Society. He was the recipient of Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, Bangabandhu Award, Munier Chowdhury Award, Naren Biswas Award, among other accolades. Source: BSS AH

Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said, reports AP. The 43-year old Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press. Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more - all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther." Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis. Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013′s “42” drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star. Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day. “This is a crushing blow” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media. “This broke me,” said actor and writer Issa Rae. His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016′s “Captain America: Civil War,” and his “Wakanda Forever” salute reverberated around the world after the release of “Black Panther” two years ago. The character was last seen standing silently dressed in a black suit at Tony Stark’s funeral in last year’s "Avengers: Endgame." Even at the outset of his Hollywood career, Boseman was clear-eyed about — and even skeptical of — the industry in which he would become an international star. “You don’t have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor. You don’t have the same opportunities. That’s evident and true,” he told AP while promoting “42.” “The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story — with a black woman, or any woman for that matter ... he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It’s weird to say it, but it doesn’t happen that often.” In addition to Robinson and Brown, Boseman portrayed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017′s “Marshall.“ He took on his first producing job in last year’s action thriller “21 Bridges,” in which he also starred, and was last seen on-screen in Spike Lee’s film “Da 5 Bloods” as the leader of a group of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War. Source: AP/UNB AH

Renowned music director and composer Alauddin Ali passed away. He breathed his last at 5:50 pm on Sunday. Managing Director of capital’s Universal Medical College and Hospital Dr. Ashis Kumar Chakrawarty confirmed the information to Rtv news. He said, he passed away at 5:50 pm today. He was under treatment at the ICU. About his burial he said, the family members of Alauddin Ali have not decided the matter yet. It will be informed later. Mentionable, Alauddin Ali was admitted at the hospital at around 4:45 am on Saturday. He was taken under life support for his breathing problems. AH

Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday in Atlanta after a lavish ceremony filled with glitter and heartfelt speeches about female empowerment. Zozibini Tunzi, 26, finished first ahead of the Puerto Rican and Mexican finalists in a flashy televised event, hosted by American comic turned TV personality Steve Harvey. Television personalities Vanessa Lachey and Olivia Culpo served as backstage commentators, and a panel of seven women determined the winner. Tunzi earned cheers during her closing speech, a new segment of the competition, in which she talked about wanting to empower young women to feel confident. "I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair, was never considered to be beautiful," she said. "I think that it is time that that stops today," she said to thunderous applause. Tunzi beat more than 90 contestants from around the globe in the 68th instalment of Miss Universe, which was held in Atlanta's Tyler Perry Studios. The two favorites ahead of the competition, Miss Thailand Paweensuda Saetan-Drouin and Miss Philippines Gazini Ganados, did not make it to the final 10. The Philippines' Catriona Gray, who presented Tunzi with the crown, took home the Miss Universe crown in 2018. Although she did not make the finals, Miss Myanmar Swe Zin Htet made waves last week when she came out as the competition's first openly gay contestant. "I have that platform that, if I say that I'm a lesbian, it will have a big impact on the LGBTQ community back in Burma," Htet told People magazine, using her country's historic name. Homosexuality is illegal in the southeast Asian country and is punishable by up to life in prison. In 2018, the competition also featured Miss Spain Angela Ponce, who blazed a trail as Miss Universe's first transgender contestant. But the pageant has had a controversial past. Multiple contestants have alleged that US President Donald Trump would regularly enter the competitors' changing room while he owned the organization from 1996-2015. Additionally, Miss Universe continues to host the swimsuit competition, which has drawn criticism for objectifying the contestants, although that part of the pageant was not televised. Source: AFP/MSN AH

Ekushey Padak winner, much accepted singer Subir Nandi is no more. He breathed his last in Singapore at 4:26 am Bangladesh time on Tuesday (May 7). Daughter of the singer Falguni Nandi confirmed the matter. Subir Nanadi was taken to Singapore on April 30 after undergoing treatment for 18 days at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. He suffered heart attack for three times while undergoing treatment in Singapore. At last the singer suffered a heart attack on Sunday morning. Subir Nandi became sick on April 14 while returning from Srimangal by train. He was admitted to CMH of Dhaka. Later he was shifted to Singapore following direction from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In his 40 years long career Subir Nandi sang more than two and half thousand songs. He presented numbers of popular songs to radio, television and films. President and Prime Minister express condolence In the separate condolence messages President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep condolence and sympathy to the family following the death of Subir Nandi. They have mentioned that it is an irreparable loss to the music arena of Bangladesh. AH        

Noted singer Shahnaz Rahmatullah was laid to eternal rest at Banani Military Graveyard in the capital on Sunday. Before the burial, her namaz-e-janaza was held at the ‘Park Mosque’ at Baridhara road No. 9 after Zohr prayers. Shahnaz Rahmatullah, known as the queen of modern Bangla music having an illustrious career spanning over decades, passed away at her Baridhara residence early Sunday at the age of 67. “She suffered a major cardiac arrest,” said lyricist Shafiq Tuhin. The singer left behind husband, one son and one daughter and a host of relatives, well-wishers and thousands of spectators to mourn her death. The singer’s notable songs include ‘Ekbar Jete De Na Amar Chotto Sonar Gaye’, ‘Je Chilo Drishtir Shimanay’ and ‘Ek Tara Tui Desher Kotha’. Her main areas of singing entailed modern (Adhunik) and patriotic songs. She emerged as a singer in Dhaka in the mid-1960s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she sang many patriotic songs, including ‘Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhe’ and ‘Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan’ to inspire the freedom fighters as well as freedom-seeking people of the country. In her career, she also had playback voice in many songs for Urdu films as well as gazals in the Pakistan era. In recognition of her timeless songs, she was awarded Ekushey Padak in 1992, National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the film ‘Chhutir Phande’ in 1990, Bangladesh Shilpakala Award and many more. Shahnaz was born on January 2, 1952 in Dhaka. Actor Zafar Iqbal and music director Anwar Parvez were Shahnaz Rahmatullah's brothers. Source: UNB AH

People have witnessed some good number divorce incidents in the showbiz arena of the country this year that were not seen in the previous years. Though the incidents happened but in most cases the couples were engaged in their bond by loving each other. So usually the question arises- Where is the problem? The news of the divorces is creating bad affect to the mind of general people. The stars of the entertainment arena are ideals to their followers. They are the beloved persons of the followers. So, they need to be more responsible for maintaining their relations. Because, people follow them. People can make their life easier through being respectful and obedient to each other for maintaining relation. Now let’s take a look at the most discussed divorce news of the current year with a hope that it won’t be happened in the next coming years. The rumor of Shakib-Apu divorce comes true: There is nothing to say about Shakib-Apu couple. Everybody is aware of them as there was so much practices highlighting their relation in the news and social media. Film hero Shakib Khan sent divorce notice to Apu Bishwas on November 22. But the news busted in December. Shakib showed two reasons in the divorce notice. He alleged that Apu went to India with her said boyfriend leaving their son to housemaid. He also said that Apu did not follow his directions. So, he wanted the divorce. Shakib and Apu got married in April 18, 2008. This star couple concealed their marriage news for 9 years. At last Apu appeared before a private television channel with their six-month-old son Abram in April 10, this year. Family of Tahsan- Mithila broken: The couple of Tahsan-Mithila is very much popular among the young generation. Their affairs grew up in 2004. They got married in 2006. But in this year Tahsan informed about their divorce in a face book status. After the divorce Mithila said, there were lots of changes between a man of 11 years earlier and at present. So, the hard decision of divorce was taken. Their only girl child is living with Mithila. The marriage of Sporshia-Rafsan does not exist: Model Sporshia and young director Rafsan got married in October 1, 2015. Then they divorced each other on August 21 following feud in their relation. Dramatic divorce of Mila: Singer Mila and aeronaut Parvez Sanjari got married to each other on May 12 in a formal way after 10 years of affairs. The news of their divorce came into light in September but Mila brushed aside the incident terming it as a rumor. At last she made sure of their divorce over a face book status. Not only that she also filed a case against Sanjari under women repression act. Sanjari was in the jail in this case. Now he is in bail. Divorce of Mohon Khan-Nova: After their one and half years of love affairs, popular drama director Mohon Khan and actress Nova got married in November 11, 2011. After six years they settled for divorce in August 26. Nova got a job in a corporate company and sought blessings to continue her service. About divorce she said, the divorce was done following our decisions. There were some problems and I want that this will not affect our son Sannidho. Badhon’s divorce in the open: Popular actress Azmery Haque Badhon got married businessman Mashrur Siddiqi in September 8, 2010. Girl child Sayra came into their life. But in August, 2014 they appealed to the court for divorce. Badhon is living at her father’s home with her daughter for the last five years. Recently Mashrur married again. The news of their divorce came to the media this year. Both Badhon and Mashrur want their daughter to live within their responsibilities. Badhon also filed a case in the court in this connection. Shokh and Niloy living separate: Their introduction to each other while performing in an advertisement. From there friendship and love grew between Anika Kabir Shokh and Niloy Alamgir. They made their bondage of marriage in January 7, 2015. It is known that the couple is not living under the same roof and they are preparing to make divorce. But Shokh and Niloy both of them are not willing to talk about the matter. AH