Shoaib Ahmed Sayam

From Bollywood’s Animal to Dhaka’s Toofan, Southasia’s film industries are recycling a dangerous archetype, the violent, hypermasculine hero. Despite changing times, new platforms, and more diverse audiences, this “angry young man” refuses to fade from the screen. Why does he still sell, and what does that say about us? In the Bangladeshi box office sensation Toofan, released in 2024, the titular character, armed with a minigun, enters a club full of crooks, murderers, and racketeers.

In a big win for justice, a government official who has abused his powers to embezzle Tk 10,000 crore is facing the harshest punishment the legal system can offer: transfer to a slightly worse work area. M Bazlur Rahman -- a veteran tax official cum money launderer, with over 10 years of experience -- was caught when Anti-Fraud Foundation (AFF) watched TikTok videos of Bazlur buying five resorts and a cruise ship in the name of his wife and son.

In Patuakhali stands Srimangal Buddha Bihar, a 240-year-old temple, which is regularly frequented by local devotees and those visiting Kuakata sea beach. Suffice to say, local residents hold immense respect for this establishment as it has become an embodiment of their faith over two centuries. But for the local authorities, this is not a good enough reason to protect the temple's sanctity.