Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway near Dania College in Jatrabari around 11 AM on Saturday, demanding an official ban on the Awami League for alleged genocide. The demonstrators declared they would vacate the road only if a formal government notice was issued. Activists from NCP, Chhatra Shibir, Khelafat Majlish, Islami Oikya Jote, and other groups joined the protest with slogans and chants.

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.

In a public statement, Central President of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Zahidul Islam, emphasized the power of national unity in dismantling fascism. Referring to the ongoing anti-government protests, he said, “The July uprising belongs to everyone. This movement to uproot fascism does not belong to any individual or party—we all carry the spirit of July. We demand justice for every massacre carried out by the Awami regime and seek to destroy the roots of fascism.” Zahidul stressed that national unity makes even the most difficult goals attainable and called for a collective movement beyond temporary interests. “Our vision is firm, our dream far-reaching. Insha’Allah, we will succeed—because we are believers. May Allah help us all. Ameen.”

Protesters at Shahbagh, demanding a ban on the Awami League and justice for its members’ alleged crimes, have extended an open invitation to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Manch, stated, “On behalf of the July uprising, we wish to personally invite the uncompromising leader Khaleda Zia to Shahbagh.”

Late Thursday night, a young man named Nazmul Hasan attacked the home of former BNP MP Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad in Muradnagar, Comilla. Locals detained him and alerted police. When officers attempted to arrest him, he resisted, leading the police chief to intervene personally. Authorities later revealed that Nazmul had an outstanding arrest warrant.

At 11:30 PM Friday, a large LED screen at Shahbagh showed footage of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Documentaries covered incidents like the BDR mutiny and the 2013 Hefazat massacre. Meanwhile, protest leaders have called for mass gatherings across the country, including at Shahbagh, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

Pakistan conducted a cyberattack targeting India’s power grid and missile storage facilities, according to its military. The operation utilized Fateh-1 medium-range missiles and other weapons. Pakistan claims the targeted sites were used for planning attacks on Pakistani citizens, including mosques and religious centers.

India launched coordinated missile strikes on three Pakistani Air Force bases: Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Rafiqui in Sargodha, and Moraid in Chakwal. Pakistan claimed to have intercepted the attack on Nur Khan, which had just hosted Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. While some missiles penetrated Indian air defense, no major damage was reported. Pakistan closed its airspace nationwide until midday Saturday.

Pakistan launched drone and artillery strikes on 26 Indian military targets across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and other northwestern states. Indian military officials confirmed three injuries and several fatalities. Over 400 Turkish-made Songar drones were reportedly used. Targeted locations included Jammu, Samba, Pathankot, Srinagar, Amritsar, Barmer, and Bhuj, among others.

Protesters demanding the Awami League’s ban blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway at Siddhirganj for three hours Friday night. The blockade, organized by student activists, ended with a call for continued demonstrations. Narayanganj Student Shibir president Amit Hasan stated, “We’ll continue protesting until this terrorist organization is banned. Today we’ve cleared the road, but tomorrow we march in Dhaka.”

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.

A meeting was held between Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and members of the "July 24 Martyrs' Families Society." During the discussion, the Jamaat leader inquired about the families’ well-being, attentively listened to their concerns, and offered words of comfort. He urged them to remain patient and place their trust in the Almighty. Dr. Rahman also exchanged views on possible ways to resolve their issues and pledged Jamaat's full support, assuring them the party would stand by their side.

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.

The Border Security Force (BSF) pushed over a hundred people into Bangladesh over the last two days at the Barlekha border in Moulvibazar. Border guards (BGB) detained 44, including women and children. Confirming their Bangladeshi citizenship, BGB handed them over to local police. So far, 35 have been released to their families, while relatives of the remaining nine are en route to the police station.