Today’s top 5 news stories

Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest news stories of the day in one concise news digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the news digest for 3rd September 2026.

ACC launches investigation against former Adviser Asif Mahmud

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud and three officials over alleged corruption at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. A complaint claimed Tk 76 lakh was taken to transfer 38 upazila youth development officers, alongside Tk 3.5 crore for promotions and preferred postings.

Briefing reporters on Wednesday, ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam said a complaint was filed against Asif, and preliminary evidence prompted the probe. Asif is the first former interim government adviser to face such an inquiry.

Asif denied the claims at a press conference later in the day, claiming that the transfers implemented a court order and promotions followed Public Service Commission recommendations, noting he was not the signing authority. 

He issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding an apology and the withdrawal of reports. Asif warned that he would otherwise file a defamation lawsuit.

Source: The Daily Star, Prothom Alo

NPLs exceed Tk 6 lakh crore

Non-performing loans (NPLs) surpassed Tk 6 lakh crore in June, rising by nearly Tk 18,000 crore over three months. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the default loan ratio reached 32.79 per cent, meaning nearly 33 per cent of all disbursed loans have become toxic. 

The central bank had previously attempted to curb default loans through special rescheduling packages with relaxed terms, but many borrowers fell back into default. 

The crisis is severe among five amalgamated banks operating as Combined Islami Bank, where over 80 per cent of disbursed loans are classified as default. 

Analysts attribute the mounting bad debt to sluggish business activity, the ongoing energy crisis and historical lending irregularities.

Source: Prothom Alo, The Business Standard

PM prioritises resettlement in Phulbari coal mining plan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that proper resettlement of affected communities must precede any open-pit coal extraction in Dinajpur's Phulbari. 

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, he acknowledged that while mining the region's high-quality coal could alleviate the national energy crisis and save foreign currency, the government will prioritise the livelihoods and interests of local residents. 

Responding to concerns regarding environmental degradation and the potential displacement of agricultural settlements, the prime minister assured lawmakers that the government would thoroughly evaluate these impacts before proceeding. 

Also, the administration plans to ensure that local communities benefit from the project if implemented. The government has also drafted a 10-year power and energy roadmap to facilitate economic growth.

Source: The Business Standard, New Age BD

142 Iranian children, women wounded after US Attacks

The ongoing Iran-US conflict has intensified, with recent US attacks killing 18 people and wounding 142, including 105 women and children. As US President Donald Trump threatened further military strikes, Tehran retaliated by targeting US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq.

Amid escalating regional tensions, Iranian Ambassador in Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi asserted that the Mecca Pact–a defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan—demonstrates US security weakness rather than a threat to Iran.

Rahimi affirmed that Dhaka’s balanced foreign policy is well understood, meaning Bangladesh's decision regarding the pact does not concern Tehran. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s state minister expressed hope for lasting stability and a swift end to the conflict.

Source: The Daily Star, Prothom Alo,Al Jazeera

Dengue and measles claim nine more lives

Five people died from dengue, and four children died with measles-like symptoms in a 24-hour period. A total of 1,110 new dengue patients hospitalised, bringing the mosquito-borne disease's annual death toll to 107 and total cases to 38,280. 

The Directorate General of Health Services reported that the nationwide measles-related death toll has reached 983 this year, comprising 99 laboratory-confirmed cases and 884 suspected fatalities. Authorities recorded 1,034 new suspected measles infections, pushing cumulative suspected cases past 160,000. 

Over 140,000 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised since mid-March. However, a vast majority of them recovered from the disease.

Source: UNB, The Business Standard

That concludes today’s briefing. Stay with Beyond Headlines for in-depth news and analysis, explainers, opinion pieces, long reads, and more.