As anti-Awami League protests intensify across the country, the Advisory Council is set to hold an emergency meeting this evening. While the specific agenda has not been disclosed, it is expected that the recent demand to ban the Awami League and other pressing political issues will be discussed.

Political analyst Ali Riaz stated in a meeting with the UPDF that the proposed National Charter, based on national consensus, will undoubtedly protect the rights of all citizens. “Only a democratic state can guarantee civil rights, ensure the rule of law, and provide justice through an independent judiciary,” he remarked. Riaz added that for the first time, there is an opportunity for inclusive nation-building. “The recommendations from the Reform Commission aim to chart a clear path forward. This historic moment has come at the cost of great sacrifice. Everyone must actively participate to make this opportunity a success.”

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that Interpol is involved in legal proceedings to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. He also addressed the recent travel of former President Md. Abdul Hamid to Thailand, noting that a three-member inquiry committee will soon submit a report on how he left the country bypassing security protocol. Chowdhury claimed no directive had been issued by the Special Branch regarding a travel ban on the former president. On the public protests demanding a ban on the Awami League, he advised demonstrators to consider public inconvenience and explore alternative means to press their demands.

A Gulf diplomat told Middle East Monitor that Donald Trump plans to announce U.S. recognition of Palestine as a state—excluding Hamas from any governance role. The announcement is expected during a mid-May U.S.-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, this move could significantly shift Middle Eastern geopolitics and push more nations to join the Abraham Accords.

Additional Inspector General Inamul Haque Sagar reported that police arrested 1,669 individuals across the country in a special operation. Among them, 1,175 were wanted in criminal cases or had outstanding warrants. The operation also led to the recovery of explosive-like devices. Separately, the Detective Branch (DB) detained five leaders of the ruling Awami League and its affiliates.

According to Israeli Army Radio journalist Yair Kozen, close aides of Donald Trump informed Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer that Trump feels “betrayed” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A U.S. official noted, “Nothing angers Trump more than feeling manipulated or deceived.” Kozen added that Israel’s failure to provide a clear strategy regarding Iran and Yemen has also strained U.S.-Israel relations. Meanwhile, Israel’s continued assault on Gaza claimed 27 more Palestinian lives in the last 24 hours.

A joint organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Sylhet accused Nurul Islam, the district’s general secretary, of verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and issuing rape threats. Although the complainant tried to file a case on Thursday, the police registered it as a general diary. A formal complaint is scheduled to be filed in court on Monday. Nurul Islam denied the allegations, saying a police investigation will reveal the truth, which he claims will prove his innocence. The dispute reportedly stems from internal disagreements over financial transparency.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman remarked that the Awami League could be banned under Section 19 of the Special Powers Act of 1974—enacted during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's one-party rule. Citing a UN report, he claimed the July revolution resulted in 2,000 deaths and 30,000 people disabled. Over the past 17 years, 700 individuals were allegedly murdered and 4,500 victims subjected to extrajudicial killings, with 6 million facing politically motivated charges. He concluded that the people of Bangladesh will ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, God willing.

Hefazat-e-Islam has strongly condemned the government for allowing alleged perpetrators of mass killings to escape without trial. In a statement, the group emphasized that the interim government was formed based on the legitimacy of the bloodiest and most successful uprising in the country’s history. Despite massive public support, the government is stalling on its first and foremost promise: banning the Awami League for its role in the Shapla Chattar and July massacres. Hefazat called on its members and the public to remain on the streets until the party is officially banned and prosecuted. The group warned, “They have repented before, only to return to power and establish fascism. Even the country’s sovereignty was compromised to foreign powers.”

On Friday, a new political platform named United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) was officially launched at the Central Shaheed Minar with the goal of preserving the inspiration, pledges, and unity of the July Uprising. Many student leaders and activists from the July movement have joined this new coalition. Ali Ahsan Junayed, a key figure in the July uprising and former president of Shibir’s Dhaka University unit, was announced as the convenor. The 82-member central committee was declared by Abdur Rahman, father of martyr Osman. Other key appointments include Arefin Md. Hizbullah as member secretary, Rafe Salman Rifat as chief coordinator, Naeem Ahmed as chief organizer, and Shahrin Iraq as the spokesperson.

At around 2:45 PM, a protest rally was held in front of the InterContinental Hotel demanding the trial and ban of the Awami League. The rally began with a recitation from the Quran by Ashraf Mahadi, a leader from the NCP. As the day progressed, the intense heat became unbearable for many in the crowd. To cool down the protest site, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) deployed spray cannons to disperse water over the area. This move brought some relief to the protesters present at the scene.

The interim government stated in an official release, “The demand to ban the Awami League over authoritarianism and terrorist activities is being taken seriously. We have already opened dialogue with political parties to reach a decision swiftly.” The statement mentioned that reports from the United Nations about alleged terrorist activities by Awami League leaders and supporters are under review. Citizens were urged to remain patient. The government also reminded the public that Bangladesh Chhatra League (the student wing) had previously been banned. It was also announced that legal amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act are underway to facilitate action against organizations involved in crimes against humanity. The government pledged to hold accountable those involved in facilitating Abdul Hamid’s departure from the country.

Government adviser Asif Nazrul clarified, “I want to make it absolutely clear that preventing former President Abdul Hamid, accused in a murder case, from leaving the country was the responsibility of police and intelligence agencies—not the Ministry of Law.” He revealed that a provision to allow banning political parties was included in the draft of the ICT Act prepared by the Law Ministry. “I presented that draft myself before the advisory council—how can I now oppose it?” he said. Nazrul also noted that there is no disagreement within the government regarding action against the Awami League, although procedural differences remain. He added, “If political parties demand a ban or if a judicial verdict is issued, the Awami League can be banned lawfully—and we await that moment, Insha’Allah.”

Ramna Police DC Masud Alam confirmed enhanced security measures around Jamuna starting Thursday night. With a major rally scheduled for Friday noon, the road in front of Jamuna has been closed to ensure public safety. Security forces remain on high alert in the surrounding areas.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated Washington has no intention of engaging in the India-Pakistan conflict. “We may encourage de-escalation but will not enter a war that doesn’t serve our direct interests,” he said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.