Two women were assaulted during a picnic on a passenger launch that stopped at Munshiganj terminal on Friday evening. The launch, hired by 300–400 youths for a music and dance event, departed from Dhaka’s Sadarghat for Chandpur. Around 7:30 PM, a group of 50–60 unidentified men boarded the launch and engaged in a heated altercation with the participants, culminating in physical assaults. A viral video showed a mob beating several young passengers, with one youth named Nehal Ahmed claiming he intervened to control the situation and returned eight stolen mobile phones. He expressed remorse for his actions.

India has blocked six Bangladeshi television channels on YouTube, citing national security concerns. According to Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and IT, the Bangladeshi government will seek an explanation from YouTube. “If we don’t receive a clear justification, retaliatory steps will be considered,” he warned. Disinfo Lab reported that channels including Jamuna TV, Ekattor TV, Banglavision, Mohona TV, Somoy TV, and DBC News are currently inaccessible from India.

To ensure public order and the security of the Chief Adviser, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all types of gatherings, rallies, and processions around the Bangladesh Secretariat and the official residence of the Chief Adviser, Jamuna. The ban takes effect from May 10 and will continue until further notice. Restricted areas include Hotel Intercontinental junction, Kakrail Mosque junction, Officers Club junction, and Minto Road.

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.

People’s Uprising leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that all future protest programs will be organized under the banner of “National Anti-Fascist Unity.” In a public address, he said, “The fascist Awami League has faced street protests for the last two days. Despite citizen resistance, the interim government has not yet banned this terror-driven party.” He criticized attempts to discredit the movement and clarified that it is not affiliated with any single party or ideology. “Students, political groups, and social organizations from all levels have come together. We urge everyone to join us in this cause.”

In a statement issued by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it was revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday. Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate tensions and offered US support to initiate constructive dialogue aimed at preventing future conflicts.

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.