Four leaders of an anti-discrimination student group were severely beaten while returning from a protest demanding a ban on the Awami League in Habiganj. The attackers shouted “Joy Bangla” slogans. The injured are now hospitalized. Police officials and an army team visited the victims.

BNP leader Barrister Muhammad Naoshad Zamir emphasized that SAARC was established by President Ziaur Rahman with a vision for regional unity. "SAARC failed because some states didn’t allow it to flourish," he said. He believes regular summits could have prevented today's conflicts. Zamir also urged citizens to study BNP’s 31-point state reform proposal, calling it a blueprint for Bangladesh’s future.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Khelafat Majlish, declared that Sonargaon is the gateway through which the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) first reached the Hindu-dominated regions of the subcontinent. Speaking to supporters, he vowed, “As long as we live, we will stand by the truth and resist oppression. We will always oppose injustice and support justice in every way we can.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged all citizens to remain united and not let religion be a tool for division. “All faiths teach peace and unity,” he said. Drawing on the example of unity during the Liberation War, he called for continued solidarity and a democratic system where all voices are heard, and every citizen can freely exercise voting rights. He reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy.

Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, declared that no elections should be held in Bangladesh until the Awami League is banned and held accountable for alleged mass killings. He also demanded the annulment of so-called anti-Islamic women’s policies, punishment for those responsible for the Shapla and July killings, prosecution of corrupt individuals, and the establishment of Islamic governance. The Pir warned against India’s so-called humanitarian corridor, calling it a ploy to create a Christian state in Rakhine and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He criticized the global silence on atrocities against Muslims in India under the Modi government.

As protests at Shahbagh intensify, Islami Chhatra Shibir has set up a medical aid booth offering free treatment to demonstrators suffering from heat-related illnesses. Led by medical professionals, they are providing oral saline and basic medication. The group has pledged to continue the service as long as the protest lasts.

Protesters have blocked Shahbagh intersection, demanding the banning of the Awami League. Activists from NCP, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Khelafat Majlish, and other Islamist parties have joined the demonstration. Prominent figures like Mufti Jasim Uddin Rahmani were seen at the protest. Sargis Alam declared that without a formal government notification banning the Awami League, they will not retreat and may expand blockades nationwide. Mufti Azizul Haque of Hefazat said the Awami League must be removed from Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Mass uprising leader Hasnat Abdullah announced a nationwide rally at 3 PM on Saturday to demand a ban on the Awami League. He emphasized that demonstrations will continue in all previously mobilized areas until the government declares the party a terrorist organization. He reiterated demands for group prosecution under international crimes law and the issuance of the July Declaration.

After 17 years, Dr. Zubaida Rahman returned to Bangladesh and performed Jumu’ah prayers at Baitul Aman Jame Mosque in Dhanmondi, in the women's section. Later, she spent time privately with family members at Mahbub Bhaban, including her mother Iqbal Mand Banu. Upon exiting the mosque, she was warmly received by well-wishers. Barrister Nasir Uddin Asim and Barrister Mehnaz Mannan were among those present.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha, expressed that thousands of martyr families and the nation await Begum Khaleda Zia’s arrival at Shahbagh. In another post, he declared, “The very grounds of Shahbagh, which once saw the rise of fascism, will now witness its fall—Inshallah.” Protesters at Shahbagh chanted slogans opposing the Awami League, fascism, and Indian interference.

The AB Party has called for an all-party national convention to initiate steps toward banning the ruling Awami League, labeling it a party responsible for crimes against humanity. Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said, “The Awami League has committed enforced disappearances, killings, mass murders, and large-scale looting. They have destroyed the electoral process and democracy itself. It’s time to build consensus to formally ban this party.” He added that while larger parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were initially hesitant, all parties must now unite to take a decisive stance. Monju also demanded an impartial investigation into former President Abdul Hamid's recent departure from the country.

Mass movement leader Sargis Alam demanded the immediate designation of the Awami League as a terrorist organization. He also called for the inclusion of provisions under the International Crimes Tribunal Act to prosecute the party as a whole and to issue a comprehensive ‘July Declaration’. Earlier, he stated that all major political parties except the BNP have gathered at Shahbagh, adding that the July coalition will be complete once the BNP joins.

Prominent leader of the ongoing mass uprising, Nahid Islam, stated that the Shahbagh sit-in will continue. He urged that in the interest of national sovereignty, all political forces—regardless of ideology—must unite in July. Citing ongoing blockades across Dhaka, he warned that if a decisive action is not taken soon, the entire country will once again march on the capital. He further called for unification of all pro-Bangladesh forces to ban the Awami League, labeling it a fascist, anti-liberation, anti-Islam, anti-democracy, and anti-humanitarian entity.

Nurul Haque Nur has called for an immediate executive ban on all activities of the Awami League until legal proceedings against the party are completed. He criticized the Advisory Council, stating that most of its members no longer uphold the spirit of the July uprising and have begun appeasing the Awami League. “The council has betrayed the martyrs and the injured of the popular uprising,” Nur alleged, calling for its urgent reconstitution. Echoing this sentiment, Rashed Khan said, “It’s already too late — had action been taken nine months ago, Awami League members wouldn’t be roaming freely today. If we fail to hold them accountable now, they will return to punish the revolutionaries later.”

Hasnat Abdullah declared that Shahbagh, the birthplace of fascism, will also be its final battleground. In a social media post on Friday, the leader of the mass uprising stated that it is only a matter of time. “Our united struggle under the banner of July will continue,” he wrote. Earlier, at a rally in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence, Abdullah announced a blockade of the Shahbagh area demanding the banning of Awami League for committing genocide. He affirmed that the protest will not end until the party is officially banned, marking the beginning of the second phase of the uprising.