The interim government has announced a bold restructuring of the 15-member trustee board of the Bangladesh Artistes' Welfare Trust, marking a significant move to strengthen support for the country's creative community. 

In an official gazette released today (September 15) by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the new trustee board members will serve a three-year term, playing a crucial role in shaping policies to benefit the nation's artistes.

The reshuffle comes in the wake of political shifts, signalling that changes in the cultural landscape are also on the agenda. Drawing on the authority granted under Section 6 of the Bangladesh Artistes' Welfare Trust Act 2001, the government has revamped the leadership to bring fresh energy to the trust's operations.

The newly formed board will see the Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser serve as chairman, with the ministry's secretary stepping into the role of vice-chairman. The managing director of the trust has been named the board's member-secretary.

Among the 12 board members, four standout figures from the entertainment industry have been appointed: Renowned singer Kanak Chapa, activist-researcher and playwright-actor Samina Luthfa, acclaimed director Ashfaque Nipun, and actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed.

The board also boasts other prominent figures, including the director generals of Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, as well as joint secretaries from the finance and information ministries. Other key appointments include poet Nahid Hasan, writer and educator Tuhin Wadud, and poets Imtiaz Mahmud, and Syed Jamil.

The Bangladesh Artistes' Welfare Trust has long been dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged artistes, approving and implementing projects that support their welfare. 

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Popular singers Rumana Islam Kanak Chapa and Baby Nazneen received nomination letters from BNP today to contest the 11th parliamentary elections.

Rumana Islam Kanak Chapa got nomination to vie from Sirajganj-1 constituency while Baby Nazneen will contest for the seat of Nilphamari-4.  

BNP began handing out the party’s nomination to chosen candidates this afternoon.

It has so far picked 90 candidates against 53 constituencies in Barishal, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions to contest the 11th parliamentary election slated to be held on December 30.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam handed the nomination letters to chosen candidates at the party’s Gulshan office.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest for Bogura-6 and Bogura-7 constituencies in the upcoming general election.

HOW MANY CANDIDATES DID AL PICK?

Yesterday, Awami League handed out nomination letters to 248 aspirants picking around 50 new faces to run for the upcoming parliamentary polls and dropping 38 MPs.

The party said it has kept some 70 seats for allies including Jatiya Party, the main opposition in the current parliament. The final decision may come today.

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

Election Commission has revised polls schedule, deferring the 11th general election by a week to December 30 – a decision taken on November 12.

The authorities have fixed November 28 as the deadline for filing nomination papers, December 2 for scrutiny and December 9 last date of withdrawal.

The move came following demands from several opposition political parties.

In a heartwarming event that harks back to the golden days of Dhallywood, the evergreen singer Kanak Chapa and the once-beloved heroine Shabnoor have rekindled their beautiful bond. 

Fans across the country have long been aware of the deep and affectionate relationship between Kanak Chapa and Shabnoor. While time may have led them away from the spotlight of singing and acting, the essence of their shared journey lives on. Shabnoor resides in Australia now, while Kanak Chapa in her village home.

A recent trip to Australia, where Kanak Chapa participated in a concert, turned into a heartwarming reunion. The singer found herself as a guest in the house of her beloved friend and co-star, Shabnoor.

Kanak Chapa took to her social media accounts to commemorate the moment, sharing a photo of their joyful reunion. Alongside the image, she eloquently wrote, "Dui Deho Ek Pran" (two bodies one soul), encapsulating the depth of their connection.

They also went live from their Facebook page, where Kanak Chapa and Shabnoor took a delightful trip down memory lane. Kanak Chapa reminisced about the days when Shabnoor's performances breathed life into her soul-stirring melodies on the big screen.

In the live video, Kanak Chapa emotionally shared, "The pain and sadness in my song were portrayed by Shabnoor through her brilliant acting." Their touching exchange resonated with fans and admirers, reigniting their admiration for these two remarkable individuals.

The duo have collaborated on numerous works, including hits like "Shagorer Motoi Govir", "Ekdin Tomake Na Dekhle", "Amar Hridoy Ekta Ayna", "Ek Dike Prithibi", "Premer Tajmahal", and "Tomake Chai", among others.