Hasnat Abdullah, a key organiser from the southern region of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizens Party), urged supporters early Saturday not to block roads or highways elsewhere in Dhaka or across the country. 

In a Facebook post, he called for spontaneous gatherings and rallies at district levels but insisted the Shahbagh blockade remain the movement’s central focus.

Meanwhile, protesters in Dhaka have continued their blockade at Shahbagh for a second consecutive day, demanding a ban on the Awami League and declaring it a “terrorist organization.” 

The movement, led by students and members of the public, has disrupted traffic at the key intersection since Friday afternoon.

Protesters spent the night at Shahbagh, where documentaries, plays, and songs related to the July coup were screened. By Saturday morning, several hundred demonstrators remained on site, chanting slogans such as “Ban Ban, Awami League Ban.” Some were seen lying on the road, resting after an overnight sit-in.

Traffic remains suspended at Shahbagh, with barricades placed on all connecting roads. Protesters plan a mass gathering at 3 pm and simultaneous sit-ins at various “July spots” nationwide.

The three main demands are: Ban the Awami League declaring it a terrorist organization; include a provision of party-based prosecution for the Awami League under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, and issuance of a “July Declaration” to formalize the movement's goals.

Calls to ban the ruling party have intensified following former President Abdul Hamid’s quiet departure from the country on Wednesday night. Protesters, aligned with factions from the July coup, claim the government has shown little willingness to act against the Awami League.

So far, no official government response has been issued.

SMS/