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.”

Sarjis Alam, a prominent leader of the ongoing mass uprising, stated that all major political parties—except the BNP and its affiliated organizations—have now joined the Shahbagh movement. He emphasized that once the BNP joins, the united political front, first seen in July, will be reestablished.

"A united Shahbagh awaits the BNP," Sarjis wrote. "Today’s Shahbagh is a part of history and will serve as a benchmark for future politics."

Notably, protesters at Shahbagh have now blocked the key intersection, demanding the banning of the ruling Awami League.

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.

Protesters have blocked Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, demanding an official ban on the Awami League. The blockade began around 4:45 PM on Friday, following a rally held near the InterContinental Hotel. Hasnat Abdullah had earlier announced the action from the protest venue. The July Uprising movement and various political and ideological groups—including Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Ap Bangladesh, and Inquilab Manch—have expressed solidarity and participated in the demonstrations.

At least six people were killed and 29 others injured in overnight shelling by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and surrounding areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, officials said on Friday. Among the injured were nine women and three children.

Since the escalation began on Wednesday, a total of 17 people have been killed and 51 injured in cross-border shelling. Local authorities also reported damage to 139 residential homes, either partially or completely destroyed due to the ongoing conflict.

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the mass uprising, stated that Bangladesh will only begin to truly progress once it earns the title "Bangladesh Without Awami League." He announced plans for a blockade from the rally site, declaring that the voices of the injured and the people's demands have not reached the ears of the interim government. "We will move to Shahbagh and block the roads. We will not retreat until an official notification is issued banning the Awami League," he said. The protest, demanding the party’s ban and prosecution, saw participation from various political groups and general students holding placards and festoons.

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.