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.

Pakistan’s military has claimed that it has destroyed 77 Indian drones, including 25 Israeli-made models, for violating its airspace. According to Sama TV, six more drones were shot down on Friday across several districts in Punjab province. Military sources confirmed that the drones were detected by radar systems before being intercepted by air defense units. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, stated, “Every drone that enters our airspace is detected on radar. Our air defense system is capable of tracking even small drones.” Authorities reported that most of the drones crashed in agricultural fields, minimizing potential damage. However, the drone incidents have caused civilian casualties — three people were killed, and seven others, including four soldiers, were injured.

Zahidul Islam, Central President of Islami Chhatra Shibir, warned that anyone who betrays the ideals of the blood-soaked ‘July Spirit’ will face condemnation. Shibir had earlier declared its participation in a sit-in protest in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna, aligning with the public uprising calling for the banning of the Awami League.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gano Adhikar Parishad, has demanded a national dialogue within 48 hours with the Chief Adviser to address the banning of the Awami League. “The Awami League has no legitimacy to engage in politics or elections,” he stated. Despite repeated demands for justice over alleged genocidal acts and a ban on the party, the interim government has not responded. Khan also accused the Chief Adviser of facilitating former President Abdul Hamid’s departure and raised concerns about unequal law enforcement. “Why does Section 144 apply to some parties and not others, like the NCP, when they approach the Jamuna residence of the Chief Adviser?” he questioned.

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.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan stated that whether the Awami League should be banned is not a decision for his party. "This is a matter for the Election Commission, the government, and those seeking the ban to decide through consensus," he said. Moin Khan emphasized that only the people can decide who will participate in elections. “The return to a democratic process is only possible through free and fair elections. That’s what we seek,” he added. He further questioned whether the Awami League even intends to contest elections and asked, “Has even one of their leaders apologized for holding the people hostage over the past 15 years?”

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.

Sarjis Alam from Panchagarh joined the Jamuna sit-in, vowing continued resistance. “The fight will go on until the Awami League is banned,” he said in a post, mentioning the participation of victims' families from major atrocities including the July uprising, Shapla massacre, and enforced disappearances.

Hamas reported that its fighters killed 19 Israeli soldiers in Rafah’s eastern Al-Tannur neighborhood. Seven soldiers were reportedly killed in a bombing near the Omar Ibn Abdul Aziz Mosque. Another 12 were killed when an Israeli engineering unit was ambushed using anti-personnel and anti-armor shells near Al-Fidai junction.

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.

Faria Haque Tina, one of the two accused female students in the murder of Parvez, a Prime Asia University student, has been arrested. The conflict stemmed from a verbal altercation over a social media incident involving students from the University of Scholars. Later that evening, Parvez was attacked by a group of 30–40 people and fatally stabbed.

While transporting Ivy to the DB office in connection with a murder case, attackers threw bricks and explosives at the police convoy near Golachipa intersection around 6:30 AM. Five people, including two police constables, were injured. Authorities confirmed Ivy was unharmed and later produced before court in connection with the Minarul murder case.

Following her arrest, Dr. Ivy claimed police did not present a warrant. “I’ve served Narayanganj for 21 years without harming anyone,” she said. Superintendent of Police Hasanuzzaman stated Ivy faces six cases including murder. "She refused to go at night, but cooperated in the morning when we detained her at her doorstep," he said. Ivy is now being held at the district DB office.

Political activist Hasnat Abdullah announced a massive rally to be held after Jumma prayers at the SAARC Fountain, where a stage is being erected. “This will show who truly demands the Awami League’s ban,” he said. Families of victims from Pilkhana, Shapla Chattar, enforced disappearances, and the July uprising will also join the protest.