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 8th September 2026.

Withdrawals Begin at Sammilito Islami Bank

Sammilito Islami Bank has begun repaying deposits to customers after a surge in withdrawal applications. While initial reports indicated that approximately 75,000 customers had applied to withdraw nearly Tk 3,925 crore, disbursements on the first day were much lower. 

About 18,000 applicants were scheduled to be repaid a total of Tk 1,329 crore. However, only around 6,000 customers showed up, collecting Tk 250 crore.

The repayment process was initiated after Bangladesh Bank provided the troubled bank with Tk 5,000 crore in liquidity support. Bank officials have begun verifying the loan status of customers via a dedicated app using NID numbers to prevent defaulters from withdrawing funds, while granting early emergency withdrawals for customers facing illness or urgent needs.

Government Outlines Timeline for Energy Crisis Relief

State Minister for Energy Aninda Islam Amit told parliament on September 7 that the government expects to achieve "some relief by 2027, greater relief by 2028, and to create a situation free from energy crisis by 2030."

The state minister attributed the severe ongoing crisis to corruption, mismanagement, and policy failures under the previous Awami League administration.

While opposition lawmakers agreed that the previous government planted the roots of the crisis, they argued the incumbent government compounded it through indecision and incompetent leadership. 

In response to the crisis, offshore gas exploration has commenced, with 150 gas wells planned to add 2,320 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid by 2031. Furthermore, three rental power companies were recently approved without capacity charges.

Cabinet Approves Tax Waiver for Solar Equipment

The Cabinet on September 7 approved tax waivers for importing machinery and spare parts for renewable solar power generation.

Under the approved proposal, imports for setting up solar power plants will be exempted from customs duty beyond 1 per cent, alongside full exemptions on regulatory duty, supplementary duty, VAT, and advance taxes for 180 days.

The move aims to facilitate faster expansion of renewable energy to address ongoing power shortages.

Chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the cabinet also approved an amendment resetting the minimum retail price of low-tier cigarettes to Tk 65 or above per 10 sticks, and cleared a Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement with Hong Kong to attract foreign investment.

Measles Death Toll Reaches 997 Amid Outbreak

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported three new suspected child deaths in the 24 hours leading up to the morning of September 7, bringing the overall death toll of the ongoing outbreak to 997.

Among them 897 were suspected deaths and 100 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths. All three of the most recent fatalities were classified as suspected cases, with two occurring in the Dhaka division. 

Additionally, 1,156 new suspected cases and 60 new confirmed cases were recorded over the same 24-hour period, bringing total confirmed cases to 19,756. 

Farmers Renew Protests Over Fertiliser Shortages

Farmers across three districts staged protests and road blockades on September 7, protesting the lack of accessible fertiliser. 

Frustrated farmers in Rajshahi's Puthia upazila blockaded the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway for over an hour, alleging that while authorised dealers claim to have no stock, fertiliser is illegally available at retail shops at inflated prices.

In Kurigram's Roumari upazila, the farmers broke the doors of a dealer's warehouse after waiting in long queues since early morning, reportedly making away with over 100 sacks of fertiliser. Another group in Bhurungamari upazila blocked a key land port road. 

In Lalmonirhat, farmers similarly blocked the Rangpur-Kurigram highway and confined a local dealer inside his shop. Protests in all districts were eventually withdrawn following assurances from local administration and police that adequate supplies would be ensured at government-fixed prices.

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