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 9th September 2026. 

Chief Justice, 4 judges left courtroom following SCBA president’s remarks

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury and four other judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court left the courtroom following a comment by Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon.

Khokon, a senior lawyer, requested leniency for a petitioner and a lawyer who were ordered to pay Tk 5 lakh each for concealing case information and filing multiple writ petitions over the same issue. He said that a reduction in active benches caused lengthy case delays, which subsequently decreased the incomes of lawyers.

Speaking at a press briefing later in the day, Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said the chief justice described the remarks as "absolute contempt of court" and then suspended his participation in the day's proceedings.

Source: New Age, The Daily Star

World Bank projects tariff reforms to boost economic output

Bangladesh can unlock roughly $4 billion in additional economic output by securing free trade agreements and reducing import tariffs, according to a preliminary World Bank analysis, 

The report indicated that reducing duties on intermediate goods could increase real GDP by 0.52 per cent. On the other hand, a loss of roughly $1.1 billion can happen if the country loses existing trade preferences after graduating from the least developed country (LDC).

Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Chairman Zaidi Sattar said the existing tariff structure heavily discouraged exports. He advised to take action for simultaneous duty reductions on imported inputs and final goods.

The government expects an initial decision later this month regarding its request to defer the scheduled 24 November graduation from the least developed country category by three years.

Source: The Daily Star

Khalilur Rahman assumes UN General Assembly presidency, pledging reform

United Nations General Assembly President Dr Khalilur Rahman formally assumed office on Tuesday for the organisation's 81st session in New York.

The UNGA President attributed the current challenges to the multilateral system and said that he would pursue substantive organisational reform to restore global public trust.

Dr Khalilur Rahman also said that global disputes might not be resolved quickly, but he would commit to prioritise ongoing dialogue and seek common ground between member states.

The UNGA President plans to advance reform proposals initiated by the UN Secretary-General and ensure the concerns of stateless communities, including the Rohingyas, are formally heard.

Source: New Age, RTV News

Bangladesh to lodge protest with Italy over attack on Badhon

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in the parliament said on Tuesday that Bangladesh will lodge a strong protest with the Italian government over the recent assault on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon in Venice.

While addressing the lawmakers on points of order, Kobir said activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently suspended, attacked Badhon as she was walking in a Venice park with her family members.

Badhon is visiting Italy for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. While addressing the incident, she said that certain individuals threw objects at her and struck her near the ear. After that, the local police promptly responded to the incident.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Rome will take up the issue with the Italian Foreign Ministry, while consular officials assist Badhon in lodging formal complaints with Italian law enforcement.

Source: BSS, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star

Parliament adopts motion requiring update on Benazir extradition

The Parliament on Tuesday adopted an opposition-backed motion requiring Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed to brief the House on the extradition process of former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates.

Jamaat Member of Parliament Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem introduced the motion following media reports that the former police chief had secured bail and fled to Saint Lucia.

Salahuddin replied that the government had received no official confirmation of his departure, adding that Bangladesh submitted a formal extradition request within four days of Benazir Ahmed’s arrest in Abu Dhabi in June.

The government is preparing additional legal explanations to submit to the UAE Ministry of Justice ahead of a 22 September deadline.

Source: The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune

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