New York Fashion Week Unveils the Vision of Raisa Rafique with Sarah as the Showstopper  



Masid Rono, Snr. Newsroom Editor, Barta24.com
Designer Raisa Rafique and model-actress Sarah Alam

Designer Raisa Rafique and model-actress Sarah Alam

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In the grandeur of the fashion world, 'New York Fashion Week' stands as an illustrious dream for designers and models worldwide. However, for most, this dream remains distant, a pinnacle achieved by only a fortunate few after a lifetime of toil. Yet, breaking this norm is Raisa Rafique, a remarkably talented fashion designer hailing from the lesser-explored realms of Bangladesh. In a mere three years of her fashion design journey, Raisa is on the brink of turning this elusive dream into reality. The catalyst for this transformative journey is her online fashion brand, "Raiue," launched just three years ago—a brand now set to grace the stages of New York Fashion Week.

In an exclusive interview with Barta24.com, Designer Raisa Rafique expressed the indescribable feeling of accomplishment, stating, “I will proudly represent Bangladesh at the New York Fashion Week scheduled for September 2024.”

Designer Raisa Rafique

Her fall 2024 collection will be the centerpiece of the New York Fashion Week, featuring not one but two distinctive collections named "ইচ্ছা" and "Gaze."

Raisa shared, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Omar Chowdhury of Soundpace, the charioteer of my dreams. Soundpace is the company producing the show. He is the one who gave me the chance to apply for the show. Given the global significance of New York Fashion Week, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to showcase the rich attire of my country on such a prestigious international stage. Hence, the creation of the 'ইচ্ছা' collection, tailored mainly for the Bangladeshi and Bengali audience in New York. The collection encompasses a diverse array of Bangladeshi garments, including sarees, salwar kameez, jamdani, tassar silk, cotton, and various traditional Bengali fabrics. The 'Gaze' collection, on the other hand, caters to an international audience. As an evening wear specialist, it will feature my couture collection. I am thrilled to represent my country on such a grand stage.”

model-actress Sarah Alam

Raisa is not traversing this fashion journey alone; she brings with her a showstopper from Bangladesh, the renowned model and actress Sarah Alam, who has already captivated audiences through commercials and Amitabh Raza's web film 'Bodh.'

Expressing her enthusiasm, Sarah Alam stated to Barta24.com, “Like every model, I dreamed of gracing a platform like New York Fashion Week. Never did I imagine that such an opportunity would come my way so swiftly. Words cannot capture my excitement for this venture. My sole aim is to present myself in a manner that elevates the recognition of my country. Thus, I am preparing for this in multiple ways.”

Designer Raisa Rafique and model-actress Sarah Alam

Sharing her admiration for Raisa’s brand Raiue, Sarah mentioned, “I have always loved the design of Raisa’s brand Raiue. She designs very different and comfortable clothes. I am thankful to Raisa for considering me as a showstopper.”

Raisa, speaking about Sarah Alam, expressed, “In my eyes, Sarah is one of the best models in this country. One reason she is the showstopper in my show is that she embodies the quintessential Bengali look, a vital element for my collection. Together, I believe we will illuminate the essence of Bangladesh.”

Band star Shafin Ahmed passes away



News Desk, Barta24.com
Band star Shafin Ahmed passes away

Band star Shafin Ahmed passes away

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Popular musician Shafin Ahmed passed away. Musician's brother Hamin Ahmed confirmed the matter to the media.

Meanwhile, in a post on social media, actor Ziaul Farooq Apurba wrote, 'Bangladesh band star Shafin Ahmed passed away while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Virginia. May Allah grant him Jannat.

The musician's brother Hamin Ahmed told the media, "Shafin had a massive heart attack." On July 20 he had a concert in Virginia. Shafin fell ill before the show. He canceled the show. He was admitted to the hospital that day. After that, when his various organs failed, he was taken on life support. After that, he could not be returned.

Shafin Ahmed's mother is Nazrul Sangeet superstar Feroza Begum and father is composer Kamal Dasgupta. Being born in this family, Shafin grew up in music from childhood. Just as he sometimes learned high-pitched music from his father, he also learned Nazrul music from his mother. After that due to study abroad he came in contact with the West and started his band music.

In 1979, one of the most popular bands in Bangladesh, 'Miles', was formed a few days after Shafin and Hamin joined it. After that, they presented many popular songs from Bangladesh. Shafin has many popular songs outside the band. 

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After the reform of the quota I will again stand by the government: Mehzabeen



Masid Ron, Senior Newsroom Editor, Barta24.com Dhaka:
Mehzabeen Chowdhury

Mehzabeen Chowdhury

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Mehjabeen Chowdhury, the most popular actress of TV dramas, has also stood up against the ongoing violence against students with a strong voice. Highlighting the information of the Qur'an-Hadith today (Thursday) wrote a long text on the social handle. Mehjabeen Chowdhury's full text is presented here-

I have learned since childhood that family-society-state does not support raising hands on women. Our holy scriptures also never teach violence against women. It is said in the Holy Quran, "Be kind to women". It is said in the hadith, "The best of you are those who behave well with women".

But unfortunately, we have to see different pictures and shocking videos in the media or social media these days. Not one, not two, but countless of my sisters are being brutally attacked and bloodied. How cruel, what brutal! I will come to the topic of justice and injustice later, but I will say from my position: this violence against women cannot be accepted even on the pretext of the highest argument. 'No' means 'no'; not at all what did the students do? They were vocal about their rights. Quota reforms were demanded. So? Anyone can claim freedom in a democratic country. But raising hands on a woman, killing a promising young man like 'Abu Sayed' - does this fall under the level of civilization? Was there no other solution? Why do you have to shoot?

The situation may return to normal today or tomorrow. But the mother's chest is empty, the smile on the family's face is gone, can we fill that emptiness in exchange for something else? Not at all, history is a witness that no matter how great the power is, no one has ever achieved anything by overpowering the student society. So why this failed boom? We always cherish the great freedom war or our brave freedom fighters. We are proud that the brave freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to give us a free country. But in this country, one cannot express one's own feelings, one cannot demand rights, above all else, the identity of merit cannot be seen as the greatest, if you go against the wishes of the administration, you will be attacked and you will have to give your life prematurely - what is the dream of Bangladesh? Did you see our brave freedom fighters? I don't think so.

From rise in commodity prices, to question paper leaks to corruption - we remain silent on almost all issues. Even if the keeper becomes the eater, we sit in silence. Wait, maybe a solution will come. If not today, it will come in two days. On other issues we are not as vocal on social media. So why are you late? Why are common people like us condemning the action of the government regardless of party affiliation on the issue of quota reform? The reason is one; quota reform is the need of the hour. It is important to solve it as soon as possible. It should not be forgotten that we, the common people, clapped our hands with pride for many milestone achievements of the government including Metro Rail, Padma Bridge, Fly Over etc. I gave cheeky compliments. I joined social media. Surely, we will stand by the government again after the quota reform is done according to the demands of the students. I will cooperate with the government to solve all the problems of the country as a party. We will move the country forward together.

After all, students are the future of tomorrow. Mehjabeen Chowdhury appealed to the honorable Prime Minister and the Supreme Court to support their logical demands without suppressing them. I believe we will not be disappointed.

At the end of the post, the actress used the hashtag #SaveBangladeshiStudents. He added a collage of three photos of the ongoing movement.

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Salman was injured by physically joining the quota movement



Masid Ron, Senior Newsroom Editor, Barta24.com
Photo: Popular YouTuber Salman Muktadir has personally participated in the quota movement

Photo: Popular YouTuber Salman Muktadir has personally participated in the quota movement

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Popular YouTuber Salman Muktadir was the first showbiz star to take part in the quota movement. Meanwhile, a picture of the star wearing a mask has gone viral on social media. And without reading that film, Salman is getting great praise.

But a little while ago, another video of Salman has spread on social media. It is seen that some people are taking care of this star because he was attacked. He was slightly injured while physically participating in the quota movement.

A person posted that picture of Salman and wrote on Facebook, "Among the so-called popular figures, I saw only Salman Muktadir joining the movement directly on the field. Known to most as the 'rude boy'.

Salman Muktadir also posted on Facebook before joining the movement directly on the field. On July 16, Salman wrote on his Facebook, 'Is there any student who is infected or unable to enter the hall? I will take care of you. But it is impossible for me to filter through millions of messages or posts. So see if you have any mutual friends in my friend list and knock me.'

He also wrote, 'If you need a place to stay or you need medical care, I'm here. Just saw some videos where people can't enter their halls. If that's not enough, apologize again. I am truly heartbroken and embarrassed. I feel ashamed that I am really popular and not getting any help.' 

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Swastika's emotional status on the quota movement



Entertainment Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Indian actress Swastika Mukherjee

Indian actress Swastika Mukherjee

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Students are protesting across the country demanding quota reforms in government jobs. Turbulent streets in one-point demand, YouTubers including filmmakers, actors and actresses have expressed solidarity with the protestors seeking quota reform. But this time the stars outside the country have also united on that issue. Recently, popular Indian actress Swastika Mukherjee opened her mouth on the quota issue.

In an emotional post on her Facebook account, the Indian actress wrote, 'I have not been in my country for almost a month. There is hardly any Third World news on US news channels. And I'm not much of a phone bug, so it was late to hear such bad news.

I went to Bangladesh a few months ago, I really wanted to go to Jahangirnagar University. Had the good fortune to go to art will be a memorable day of life. Every time I come, I can't go because of my busy schedule, my mother also wanted to go to Bangladesh, but she was not taken, but today I saw a video, the smoke of bullets. University students are affected. When the student age is over, Jahangirnagar and Jadavpur are very close to me. Kath Golap trees are also similar. The clouds in the sky are the same. Only today there is the smell of gunpowder.'

'The field is heavy with fog

Rootmarch fades to the horizon

Is it lying in the middle of the road?

I sit down and pick it up

Cut off your head, whale. '

'I have never seen such a hospitable nation, the invitation for food never ends, where else can I see such a beautiful display of language all over the road? Eyeglass wall writing? Perhaps it is possible for a nation to take the oath of liberation war.

Today, I'm feeling restless. I am also a mother of children. I hope Bangladesh will be calm. I am far away, I can only pray this.

Light from the source of darkness - that is our light... Let there be light... Let it be good for all.' 

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