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 29th September 2026.

Government to form two expert committees for cyber law review

The government on Monday decided to form two expert committees to review proposed amendments to the Cyber Protection Act, aiming to ensure legal safeguards that protect journalists and media outlets from harassment under the law.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced the decision during a consultation with media stakeholders at the Secretariat on Monday -- the second meeting with journalists on the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026.

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad will coordinate one committee alongside the Editors' Council, while the technology ministry forms the second panel.

The panels must submit specific recommendations within 15 days before the government publishes the revised draft online. 

Salahuddin said a proposal requiring prior court approval before arresting journalists under the law remains under consideration. 

The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam proposed the review committees, saying the current draft would severely restrict democratic media freedoms.

Dainik Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said passing the unamended law would turn the country into a vast prison. 

Source: The Daily Star, Bonik Barta

Police detain 1,310 suspected teen gang members; released 730 later

Police detained 1,310 suspected teen gang members across four districts between Sunday evening and midnight amid growing public concern over juvenile crime. At least 730 were later released to the custody of their guardians following written undertakings that they would refrain from unlawful activities.

In Cumilla, law enforcement personnel detained 415 people on Sunday night, sending 138 to court while releasing 277 to their families. In Chattogram, police detained 354 youths during evening operations, releasing 293 on bonds after finding no criminal involvement while 61 faced legal proceedings.

In Chandpur, police detained 370 teenagers across eight upazilas during Sunday operations. Meanwhile, Noakhali police detained 171 individuals between Sunday evening and midnight, handing 160 over to their guardians while initiating legal action against 11 suspects for alleged criminal offences.

Additional Inspector General of Police Sayedur Rahman said the operations were routine district drives rather than a nationwide campaign. Police said verification efforts would continue across jurisdictions, directing guardians to maintain stricter oversight of adolescent activities and prevent teenagers from gathering after dusk.

Source: The Daily Star, New Age, BSS

PM directs cabinet for social media drive against online misinformation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed cabinet members on Monday to increase their social media presence to promote official initiatives and counter online misinformation. 

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, the PM said ministers must communicate verified facts rapidly to dispel negative campaigns targeting the administration.

The directive followed unverified claims surrounding recent attacks on the Radda healthcare centre in Mirpur and a creative studio in ECB Chattar. Cabinet members said fabricated digital content, including an artificial intelligence image portraying the prime minister meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, damaged the government's public image.

The cabinet also approved an ordinance restoring monthly VAT returns to accelerate revenue collection following a 21 per cent collection decline during July and August. Under the revised measure, commercial enterprises must submit monthly returns within 15 days of each tax period's conclusion.

Source: The Daily Star

Myanmar military airstrike kills 49 at Rakhine market

An airstrike by the Myanmar military on a wholesale market in western Rakhine state killed at least 49 people on Monday. A fighter jet dropped two bombs near the commercial centre in Kyauktaw township, killing vendors and pedestrians.

The Arakan Army said the noon bombardment injured 58 individuals, including 22 who remain in critical condition. Senior rescue official Wai Hun Aung said the targeted site serves as the primary wholesale hub for regional traders.

The ethnic armed group said they will take effective retaliatory measures against the individuals and organisations responsible for the deliberate mass casualties. The national military did not immediately issue a public comment regarding the attack.

The targeted territory remains under the control of the Arakan Army following an offensive launched in November 2023. The military, which seized power in 2021, previously said its operations only strike legitimate resistance targets.

Source: AP News

Police arrest 19 suspects over Dhaka clinic and studio attacks

Police arrested 19 suspects following violent attacks on the Radda health centre in Mirpur and the New Gini housing project in ECB Chattar. The incidents involved armed mobs demolishing medical structures and ransacking content creator Salman Muqtadir's studio over disputed land.

In the New Gini assault, detectives arrested Mizanur Rahman, the son-in-law of a Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker, bringing total arrests to six. A case was filed against 13 named suspects, including retired Major General Golam Mohiuddin Chowdhury, though principal instigators of the property raid remain at large.

Meanwhile, 12 suspects were sent to jail over demolishing the Radda health clinic using an excavator. Investigation findings named local Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders, including Hanif Mia, as alleged perpetrators. The damaged facility resumed limited vaccinations on Monday despite severe utility shortages.

Renovation began at the health centre under government supervision as workers cleared debris. Visiting the damaged site, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman announced a Tk 50 lakh rehabilitation donation, saying the violent assault was impossible without ruling party shelter and patronage, an accusation government officials denied.

Criticising the administrative response, National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam demanded the immediate resignation of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed for failing to preserve public order. Rights activists and opposition figures said mob violence continues unchecked, urging the administration to apprehend the fugitive masterminds behind both attacks.

Source: bdnews24.com, Prothom Alo, New Age, The Daily Star

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